Vijay Shankar, who currently plays at India’s much-debated number four slot in the batting order has failed to book a spot for himself with mediocre scores of 29 against Afghanistan and 14 versus the West Indies.
India's Vijay Shankar during a practice session ahead of the World Cup 2019 match against West Indies at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England on June 25, 2019. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen feels that Vijay Shankar will win India the match against England in the much-anticipated clash on Sunday at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
“Dear Virat and Ravi (Shastri) — please don’t drop Vijay Shankar,” Pietersen said in a tweet on Saturday. “I think he’s coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow’s game.”
Vijay Shankar, who currently plays at India’s much-debated number four slot in the batting order has failed to book a spot for himself with mediocre scores of 29 against Afghanistan and 14 versus the West Indies.
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Meanwhile, Pietersen in his tweet also talked about young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant — who has been included in the 15-member Indian squad as a replacement for injured opener Shikhar Dhawan. The 39-year-old said that Pant is still not ready for a World Cup game and needs at least three weeks to prepare himself.
“Don’t think about Pant. He needs another three weeks preparation before I think he can get into your World Cup side.”
Dear Virat & Ravi – please don’t drop Vijay Shankar.
I think he’s coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow’s game.
Don’t think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side.Thanks, boys!
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 29, 2019
India currently are placed second in the points table with 11 points in their kitty from six matches. Notably, the Men in Blue are unbeaten in the tournament so far with a rain-washed game against New Zealand. Meanwhile, England — the pre-tournament favourites — have eight points from seven games and are struggling to find a place in the final 4.
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