From the low of the Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka to now being in the scheme of things as the national selectors gear up to pick the India squad for the World Cup, all-rounder Vijay Shankar has come a long way. While Indian fans and cricketers await with bated breath for MSK Prasad and team to announce the squad for the showpiece event on Monday, Shankar wants to focus on the job at hand — winning games for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Shankar said that even when he was down and out, it was the SRH management which backed him and helped him come back strongly, so his focus is the IPL.
"Wearing the India cap is a dream for every cricketer. But I haven't let the thought of the World Cup team selection affect me. I have looked to focus and contribute for SRH.
"It is very important to do well for Hyderabad. I got into SRH before I made a comeback into the Indian team. So, the trust they have shown in me, must be repaid," he said.
Asked if the idea to bat at No 3 and 4 in the IPL is an attempt to prepare for the role (if given) in the Indian team for the World Cup, he said: "I have not thought about that, but it is really good that I am batting up the order.
"It has nothing to do with World Cup, it is about doing what suits the team and the situations."