From practicing at home on terrace to India's World Cup squad; know the journey of this player

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup that will take place in England. Vijay Shankar came in as surprise for many including himself, when he was inducted in the squad.

Vijay Shankar first called his father and informed him about the good news as his father is the one who helped him pursue his dreams. Vijay’s father H Shankar was in a meeting at that time when the news came and he couldn’t talk to him properly as he was busy, but he was thrilled after having put so much effort.

H Shankar revealed while speaking to Mid-Day that, when Vijay was 17, Shankar asked him whether he wants to play cricket professionally or just for fun. That is when Vijay said that he wants to pursue it professionally. Shankar decided to build a proper net practice facility with a concrete pitch at his residence at Madipakkam.

“I told Vijay to do your job properly and the rest will fall into place automatically. You don't have to chase anything. If you do well, things will follow you… that is my advice. He is blessed with good willpower and is fully focused,” Shankar added.

Vijay has played 9 ODIs and as many T20Is for India, he made his debut in 2019. He scored 165 runs in ODIs and 101 runs in T20Is at an average of 33.00 and 25.25 respectively.

Also read: Not Virat Kohli but this player can be the key factor for India's World Cup victory