Vijay Shankar last played for India in the 2019 World Cup.
Vijay Shankar had first lost his spot in India A team to Australia in 2016, which gave Hardik Pandya to shine and become an integral part of the Indian team. Shankar fought his way through to the Indian team but was dropped after the lows of the 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series.
Shankar was then on the plane to the UK for the 2019 World Cup after being picked in the Indian squad for the mega ICC event. However, his tournament came to an end after playing 3 matches and that was the last time he donned the Blue jersey.
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Ever since Shankar has had to deal with multiple injury setbacks. His Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was cut short by a hamstring injury. In 2021, he picked up another injury at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as early as Tamil Nadu's first match in Kolkata.
He was trusted with the finisher’s role for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2021, but the tournament was suspended mid-way due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"It was very difficult, definitely. But if you ask me, from the time I got dropped from the Indian team, it was very difficult. I had another injury and then I was not even closer to getting into the Indian side after that. But if you see the time I was with the Indian team, I had a decent run. I was contributing in whatever batting order, whatever situation it was," Shankar told India Today.
Shankar conceded that he was not at the top of the pecking order for an India comeback but the hunger to keep working hard and wear that India jersey again is burning bright.
"I can't think of getting into the Indian side, those things are not in my hand. All I can do is prepare hard and try and do well in the matches that I play. I will try to push for that place again. Definitely, whoever has played for that country would love to wear that jersey again. There is no doubt about that. I just felt that when I had a decent run and I was not even considered after that, it was a little disappointing," he added.
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However, Shankar might find himself back in India's contention as India travels to Sri Lanka for a limited-overs tour with first-choice stars playing in England for the Test series in August-September.
He was also asked whether Hardik Pandya’s inability to bowl due to his back issues open up opportunities for him in the Indian team.
"I don't want to be in the team just because I am an all-rounder, someone who can bat and bowl. It should be more genuine, I should be in the team when people trust me for my abilities. I have said in the past about not liking comparisons. But if you really compare, I think I definitely have done better than most,” Shankar said.
“Being at my best is always important wherever I play, it doesn't matter if I get picked or don't get picked, I will still try my best, keep working hard. Whatever training I can do in the lockdown, I will keep doing that,” Shankar added.
(India Today inputs)