Vijay Shankar recalls dismissing Imamul Haq during 2019 World Cup clash

Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has opened up about his eventful bowling performance against Pakistan, during the 2019 ICC World Cup match in Manchester.   

Put into bat in a stop-start, rain-hit match, India posted a commanding 336/5, with Rohit Sharma (140) smashing his second century of the tournament.

India did not have to wait long for a breakthrough when Pakistan began their chase and it came in interesting manner.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar hobbled off the ground midway through his third over after landing awkwardly and Shankar was called to complete the over. The pace bowling all-rounder responded by trapping Imamul Haq lbw with his first delivery.

“It [Imam’s wicket] happened very quickly. The captain might sometimes tell you in advance but sometimes a bowler might get injured and you should be ready. That’s what happened,” said Shankar while talking to the New Indian Express.

“I was standing at point and Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar] got injured and they just called me up. All I was thinking was ‘just bowl in the right areas’,” he added.

Shankar, who has played 12 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and nine Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), is also keen on representing India in the longest format of the game.

“I have been working on all aspects of the game and formats. I have been doing well consistently for India A, so all that actually gave me this call-up. If I had my Test debut, it would have been memorable, but nothing’s over. I just keep trying to do my best to get my Test cap,” he said.