Tamil Nadu all-rounder and limited overs captain Vijay Shankar will be making the trip to Sri Lanka for the Nidahas Tri-Series 2018, after he was included in the squad for the tournament.

With many big names taking a rest after a tough tour of South Africa, BCCI selectors opted to reward some consistent performers of domestic season with team India spots. Vijay Shankar, along with his Tamil Nadu teammates Washington Sundar and Dinesh Karthik will have the opportunity to impress the fans and selectors.

In an interview with PTI, Shankar expressed joy and excitement for the opportunity.

“It is a familiar dressing room, having played with most of the team members (for India A), who have been chosen for the series in Sri Lanka. It will be nice to have them (Karthik and Sundar) also in the dressing room,” Shankar said.

Vijay Shankar was also part of Team India for the two Tests against Sri Lanka last year.

“Being part of the national Test set-up is an experience I enjoyed. I learnt by watching the players prepare for matches. I have also been working on my bowling, trying a lot of new things,” he added.

“I am very happy to have got the call-up. It is a pleasant surprise. My aim has always been to keep improving and to do well in the opportunities I get. I was training when I got the news about my selection for the tri-series in Sri Lanka,” Shankar, who was selected as a substitute for Hardik Pandya, said.

Shankar was also picked up by Delhi Daredevils for INR 3.2 crore in IPL 2018 auctions.

“Personally, I did well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I look to improve every time I play, whether batting or bowling,” he added.