EXCLUSIVE: It's important for me to keep performing, says Vijay Shankar

Shankar said he needs to keep performing to make a comeback and believes in playing according to the situation rather than achieving landmarks of 50s and 100s.

Hyderabad: All-rounder Vijay Shankar, a vital cog, in Sunrisers Hyderabad team in an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat talked about his comeback in the Indian national team and his preparations for the upcoming T-20 World Cup next year.

Talking about his comeback, the 29-year-old, said, "When I got out of the team, it was difficult for me. It would be difficult for any cricketer for that matter because playing for country is always a dream for us. When I got out of the team, it was very disappointing. I was trying to make a comeback then and again had a couple of injuries which took me away from the game for some time.

Vijay Shankar

"I had a good domestic last season then I had a very decent India A series in New Zealand. The only thing I can do is keep performing wherever I play. That's the only thing I can do right now. When can you see me in the Indian team is very tricky to answer because those things are not in our control. The only thing I can control is my preparation and hardwork and I need to keep performing."

On being asked about his domestic preparations, he said, "I am just getting back from the injury I had during the IPL. Really looking forward to get back into playing. To sit out for a long period is frustrating for a cricketer. It is very important for me to come back and start playing cricket again. Domestic is always very important for someone like me. I don't think I had done badly to be missed out on domestic or any other form of cricket.

Vijay Shankar

"It's just that I have to maximise on my 50s, 40s or 30s I get. For me, it has always been about playing according to the situation. Sometimes you need to bat up the order and sometimes go down in the order. These things are not in your control. The time I walk in is the most important for me. If I score 20 runs off 10 balls, that's my achievement rather than looking at landmarks of 50s and 100s."

By Varsha Singh

For full interview, watch the video.