It was tough to sit out, says Vijay Shankar  

Vijay Shankar has played a key role in TN making it to the quarterfinals.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

All-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has made vital contributions with the bat (106 n.o., 76, 150 n.o.) in Tamil Nadu’s road to the quarterfinals in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, said he was extremely disappointed when he was dropped for the first two matches against Saurashtra and Delhi.

“I felt very bad for not playing. After playing for so many years, to sit out was tough. I was able to hold out because of the immense respect and belief I have in Bala bhai (head coach L. Balaji).

“Even when it comes to my bowling, if you see, it’s not like I bowl regularly. I bowl only when things are out of hand.

“In T20s (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), I did well before not doing well for two games. So, the easiest thing was to drop me and let the youngsters play. But for someone who goes and stands at every important fielding position and bowls when needed to, it’s very hard to take that. I just hope no one goes through this, because it’s really tough for a player.

“I’m averaging somewhere around 46 (45.93) in first-class cricket now. I think it’s a very good average for a player who’s been batting up and down.

“So, yes, it’s been tough. But it feels good to come out of all these things and still try and give my best,” he said after Tamil Nadu lost to Jharkhand in the final round at the Keenan stadium here.

Shankar hopes to make a comeback to the India squad, but expressed displeasure about not getting selected for the Duleep Trophy even when he did well.

“I just hope I make my comeback at some time. The disappointing part is that I’ve still not played even a single Duleep Trophy game – even after getting three consecutive hundreds in domestic cricket (2022-23) Ranji season).

“Two years ago, it was the State selectors who had to select the Duleep Trophy sides. I had a very good IPL too at that time. But I didn’t play Duleep or Deodhar Trophy.

“Then, a National selector told me: ‘See, you’re not even being picked in Duleep Trophy. So, we can’t consider you for the higher thing,’” he said.