(Image source from: sports.ndtv.com)
In Low Scoring encounter India managed to pull off a narrow victory against Australia in 2nd One Day International. Thanks to all rounder Vijay Shankar who picked up two wickets in last over. By this win India became the second team ever in the history of ODI format to register 500 wins after Australia. It has won 558 matches overall in ODIs.
In post match press conference all rounder said, “I’ve said previously also that I never think about the selection or World Cup thing because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team.”
Vijay said Nidahas Trophy final was a learning curve “To be honest the Nidahas Trophy has taught me too many things. Actually, I learnt to how to stay neutral after that. Be it high or low, it doesn’t matter. I need to stay calm and neutral all the time.”
“I was just ready for the challenge because I knew I had to bowl that one over. And I was just telling (myself) after the 43rd-44th over, I am going to bowl anytime. Maybe the last over and I should be ready to defend a total of 10 runs or 15 runs. So, I was mentally prepared for that,” he said.
He said experienced bowler bumrah gave him some tips before the final over
“After the 48th over, Bumrah came up to me and said the ball is reversing a bit. He told me that I need to hit the right length on this wicket, where I give myself a chance to hit the stumps. When he said that, I was clear mentally that the only way to defend those runs is by picking wickets and if I can bowl straighter, it will give myself a chance to take wickets,”
On taking two crucial wickets in last over he said, “Just because I got the two wickets in the last over does not make me feel really high or happy. I am trying to enjoy the moment and then go ahead with that.”
He even contributed with bat scoring 46 runs off 41 balls before getting out in an unfortunate manner.
“When you get run out like this, I won’t say unfortunate, that was struck and he (virat) hit the ball so hard and I didn’t have much time to get back in (to the crease) but then these things happen in cricket. As long as I bat well and as long as contribute to the team’s win, I will be happy.”
-Sai Kumar
