Gujarat Titans all-rounder Vijay Shankar believes that the new rule permitting two bouncers each over in the IPL 2024 has given the game an interesting new tactical depth. Shankar believes that restricting short-pitched bowling makes hitters and bowlers more responsible for their use of resources and preparation.
Vijay Shankar, who has been a part of the Titans since its founding in 2022, was a member of the team that took home the IPL championship that year and finished second in 2023. The 33-year-old, who bats at numbers 6 and 4, has scored 18 runs in the first two games of the 2024 season.
As a bowler, you can’t keep bowling that (bouncers), so it has been a very challenging one. When a batter sets up and hits one or two boundaries, it becomes difficult for the bowler to switch to a different strategy. It’s important for bowlers to use that properly. During a virtual news conference, Vijay Shankar stated, “Every fast-bowler uses bouncers on a few large fields in India with square boundaries.
Batters also need to be ready for anything, he continued. “Normally, as a hitter, you get ready to strike the stripes after the first bouncer is bowled. They can now employ a slower bouncer or even bowl the bouncer at any point. Thus, as a batting team, we must be astute and ready for the many delivery types that may arise during a match, Shankar continued.
I’m able to change to fit the circumstances: Vijay Shankar
Shankar feels that his job is to adjust to various game scenarios and batting positions. I batted at number six in the first game and number four in the second, if you can see. It is not simple for a player to keep playing up and down, but that is what is expected of me, so for me, it is about adjusting to different conditions,” he stated.
“Last year, I performed admirably for the squad despite batting at several different spots. It doesn’t matter where I bat; what matters is my ability to adjust to a certain circumstance and lead the team to victory. It will be the finest thing for me if I can help the squad win one or two more from there, he continued.
The veteran highlighted GT’s excellent team environment and hailed Ashish Nehra, the head coach, and new captain Shubman Gill for their leadership. To be honest, in every way, it has been one of the best team environments. It’s encouraging to see how Ashish Nehra treats each member of the squad because it’s difficult to give each person equal weight,” he remarked.”
“To be honest, I don’t see much of a difference since, as players, it becomes quite easy once you have clarity on your position from the captain, management, and support personnel. All you have to do is step out into the world and fulfil your obligations. There’s really been no change since it was Hardik (Pandya) the previous two years and now it’s Shubman, he said.
Also read: Ricky Ponting spoke of the Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2024 performance
GT defeated the Mumbai Indians at home in their season opener, but they fell short against the Chennai Super Kings on the road. Shubman Gill, the team’s captain, is getting ready for their March 31 home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
India
