Nagpur: His last-over heroics against Australia may have brightened his World Cup chances but all-rounder Vijay Shankar says he is not thinking on those lines and would just stay in the moment.
Captain Virat Kohli handed the ball to Shankar when Australia needed 11 runs from the last over and India required two wickets for a win. Shankar dismissed Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa in three balls, delivering when it mattered.
He may have made a case for himself with this performance to make the squad for the World Cup but Shankar is not thinking on those lines.
“I’ve said previously also that I never think about the selection or the World Cup thing because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team,” said Shankar.
The young all-rounder said experienced Jasprit Bumrah also guided him while approaching the final over.
“After the 48th over, Bumrah came up to me and said the ball is reversing a bit. He told me that I need to hit the right length on this wicket, where I give myself a chance to hit the stumps,” he said.
“When he said that, I was clear mentally that the only way to defend those runs is by picking wickets and if I can bowl straighter, (I’ll) give myself a chance to take wickets,” he added.
PTI