The Indian fans were scared when the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli handed the ball to Vijay Shankar to defend 11 runs off the final over in the second ODI against Australia in Nagpur on Tuesday. Shankar had conceded 13 runs from the only over he had bowled in the game. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder hasn’t been considered as a dependable bowler ever since his international debut. Moreover, with a well-settled Marcus Stoinis up against him, Shankar had his task cut out.

However, Vijay came out with flying colors to give India a thrilling eight-run win. He started with a brilliant delivery as he got the wicket of the Stoinis (52) on the very first ball. The latter decided to review the LBW dismissal the umpire’s call on leg stump meant the end of the game for Stoinis as the on-field umpire had given it out the equation came down to 11 off 5 balls with Adam Zampa the new batsman on strike. On the second ball of the over, Vijay bowled length ball on off stump and the batsman made room to jab into the point region for a couple.

WATCH – Vijay Shankar Bowled A Brilliant Final Over

The third ball of the over decided the game for Indi as Shankar bowled right in the blockhole which was full, straight, aiming at middle stump, and Zampa made room to try and carve it away through point but failed to connect and India sealed the game. Shankar also played a crucial knock of 46 runs off 41 deliveries in the first innings.

Speaking after the game, Shankar said he was waiting for this chance and wanted to showcase his potential with the ball in the pressure situation.  He said, “It was an opportunity to redeem myself after the expensive over I bowled. I was literally waiting for this opportunity, wanted to bowl under pressure because only if I deliver, they will trust me. I was up for the challenge. Around the 43rd over, I was telling myself that I am bowling the final over and defend the score, just prepared myself a bit. It’s about staying clear mentally. Wanted to just stick to the basics, hit the stumps from a hard length as there was a bit of reverse.”

Before his final over heroics, Vijay had impressed with the bat. He had joined his skipper Virat Kohli in the middle when India were reeling at 75 for 3 on a pitch where stroke-making was tough. However, he completely turned the tide in India’s favor. He shared 81 runs with Kohli to lay the foundation for a good total.

WATCH – Vijay Shankar Makes His Debut On Chahal TV 

Describing the same further, Shankar said, “Yes, it (the batting) was good, timed the ball well and rotated the strike well. I was confident of doing well and we (him and Kohli) had a good partnership.”