Vijay Shankar played for the Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last few IPL seasons. He started his IPL career with the Chennai Super Kings, but he received more game time at DC and SRH. Now, in IPL 2022, Shankar is all set to don the Gujarat Titans jersey for the first time in his career.
The Titans, making their debut in IPL 2022, shelled out INR 1.4 crore for the all-rounder’s services. Vijay Shankar is one of the top all-rounders in the country. He belongs to the rare category of Indian all-rounders who can bat in the top-order and also bowl pace. However, not many teams have given Shankar consistent chances to play in the same role.
It seems the Gujarat Titans will give him that chance because the team’s coach Ashish Nehra has shown faith in Shankar’s skills. Here’s what Nehra had to say in a chat with Sports Today:
“I am really hoping and backing somebody like Vijay Shankar, who has been around the team, played for India. I am looking forward to seeing how Vijay Shankar does because I really believe in him.”
Vijay Shankar is likely to bat in the top-order for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022
The Gujarat Titans have stacked up their squad with all-rounders. There are not too many options for the number three position, which is why Vijay Shankar could probably bat at number three.
In the same interview, Nehra clarified that they have selected Hardik Pandya as a pure batter. So, the chances of Shankar and Pandya being the number three and number four batters for the Titans are high. Shubman Gill and Jason Roy can open the innings, while Matthew Wade, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia can be the finishers. All in all, the team looks decent on paper.
