Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar may have bowled just two overs in the opening T20I of the Nidahas Trophy and gone wicketless, but in the second game against Bangladesh on Thursday (March 8), Vijay pulled off a Man-of-the-Match award-winning show, finishing with figures of 2 for 32 – with wickets of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah.

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has been included in the national squad after some consistent performances year after year. Having been part of the India A team too is an indicator of his growth as an all-rounder. So when Hardik Pandya was rested for the tri-series, the first name that popped up for discussion was Vijay’s.

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However, Vijay would know that the Nidahas Trophy serves as a screen test for many newcomers like him. The fellow all-rounder in the squad – Deepak Hooda – could get a chance at Vijay’s cost at some point during the tri-series, something the latter will be aware of. Shankar would also know that once the big boys return, especially Hardik Pandya, he will have to make way. Hence, the chances provided to him now is what he’s looking to use to create that recall value in everyone’s mind, but without being too caught up in it.

Afer India’s six-wicket win against Bangladesh, Vijay said, “What is important for me is what I do every day. The pressure and… comparing me with Hardik Pandya, I think, most cricketers don’t like comparing and it is very important to show what we have, rather than putting ourselves under pressure.”

Also read: Virat Kohli Talks About Dickwella, Vijay Shankar And Hectic Schedule

Vijay’s journey for his maiden international wicket kept him lengthened on a day when India fielders were sloppy on the field. Instead, he picked up two of the most important wickets of the innings in his next two overs, ensuring Bangladesh were pinned down.

talking about the dismissals, Shankar said, “That [dropped catches] did not affect me much. I was not thinking too much about those dropped chances. Dropping catches, I think is a part of the game. I would have loved to get my first wicket at that time but still, as cricketers, we know it is not easy to field under lights and with the white ball. I definitely did not give much importance to that dropped catch. I was just going back to bowl the next ball well.’

Also read: Review: Nidashas Trophy (Ind vs Ban)

As an all-rounder, Vijay would hope to show off his batting abilities too but with a ruthless Shikhar Dhawan at the top, very little of the scoring pressures have trickled down to the lower order. But as long as Vijay is doing his job that are being asked of him, he shouldn’t worry too much.

Possibly, Vijay is meant to climb up the ladder the hard way but as long as he is feeling calm about himself and trying to learn and improve – in his own words, his rise might be steep but not an impossible one.