IPL 2023: Need to be switched on right from the time the team walks out to bat – Vijay Shankar on his role as an impact player

Gujarat Titans batter Vijay Shankar created an impact as an ‘impact’ player as he scored a decent knock of 29 runs off just 23 balls against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday. Shankar walked into bat when his team was in a spot of bother at 54-3 after the end of the PowerPlay overs.

However, the right-hander added 53 runs with his Tamil Nadu teammate Sai Sudharsan, who played a match-winning knock of 62 runs off 48 balls.

Shankar said he needed to be switched on right from the time the team walks out to bat as an impact player as his role depends on the match situation.

Vijay Shankar said in a chat with Sai Sudharsan in a video uploaded on the official website of the IPL, “It was actually not that easy because if you’re playing and know your role, what exactly you’re going to do, it’s totally different. But being an impact player, you need to be switched on right from the time the team walks out to bat, especially when you are batting second and depending on the role we get, we need to be open.

“Last game you did it, replacing Kane [Williamson]. And this game, me coming in and having a partnership was a good one.”

Speaking on his bonhomie with his Tamil Nadu teammate, Sai Sudharsan said, ​​”I think I’ve mentioned this in a couple of interviews as well because Vijay Anna is always special for me. Even at the start in the TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League), I played my first game against him and under him for Tamil Nadu. So, I think it is very special for me, a special bond.”

Shankar added that the way they ran between the sticks was impressive as they were able to tick the right boxes in the run-chase.

“I think the way we ran was fantastic. I think we really enjoyed running together. We always enjoy running together and it was special winning the match for the Gujarat Titans.

“We had some amazing time off the field as well. Good banter. Be it where I know in the team room playing peers, beating you every time. The best part is when we come onto the field, we have a lot of conversations about cricket. We discuss a lot about batting and everything.”

GT will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.