Gujarat Titans all-rounder Vijay Shankar revealed he used to bat an hour and a half or even more in the nets to get back into form ahead of IPL 2023. The Tamil Nadu batter scored 304 runs in 10 innings of the previous season at an average of 37.63 and a strike rate of 160.10.
The right-hander scored three fifties and played a key role in taking Gujarat Titans to the tournament’s final. In 65 IPL matches, Shankar has scored 1032 runs in the tournament at an average of 26.46 and a strike rate of 131.13.
After his impressive performances in IPL 2023, Shankar was retained by Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 mini-auction. Shankar revealed he tweaked his technique to get the best out of himself in the last edition.
“I tweaked my bat lift and stance. It felt very good because I worked for it, and it happened. Gary Kirsten asked me to try something new. A week or 10 days before IPL [2023], he asked me to try different things and when I started hitting the ball really well, I started enjoying myself. I used to bat an hour and a half or even more in the nets,” Shankar said in an interaction with Sportstar.
Shankar wasn’t at his absolute best in IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans but the franchise showed faith in him by retaining him.
“Despite the season I had in the previous year, GT retained and played me in the first game in 2023. That confidence from the team is very important. Even here [Vijay Hazare Trophy], a few of us didn’t have a great first half, but the team [Tamil Nadu] still backed us and believed in our ability. That is why we were able to do well,” he further stated.
Shankar admitted that the impact player rule has made the role of all-rounders less effective but he wants to keep improving.
“The Impact Player rule has taken the all-rounders’ game away. But I will take it as a challenge to get better. If I am the best, the ball will come to me automatically. I need to push myself to that level, where I am the best and the team needs me to bowl,” Shankar said
After Hardik Pandya joined his former team Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal, Shubman Gill will lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
Commenting on Gill’s appointment, Shankar said, “Under Shubman, it is going to be very interesting. He is a terrific player and if he leads by example, it will be really good for him, the team and everyone else. I am sure we are going to have a lovely time because the management and support staff are all lovely. It is the beauty of that team.”
IPL mini-auction will be held on 19th December in Dubai.
