'Confident that I can finish close matches' – Vijay Shankar

Shankar has played five Twenty20 Internationals for India. His last appearance was against Bangladesh in the Nidahas T20 Tri-Series final, in which the all-rounder made a 19-ball 17 in a crunch game before Dinesh Karthik took the side across the line with a fiery match-winning eight-ball 29*.

Shankar came in for criticism that match, but the 27-year-old insisted he has come a long way since then and has learnt how to handle pressure.

“After the Nidahas Trophy, I realised I shouldn’t put too much pressure on myself because it was affecting my game. I have started enjoying my game more. That clarity in mind has helped me perform in New Zealand and for Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy this season,” he told Indian Express.

"I think I have become mentally stronger now and I have full confidence that I can finish close matches," he added to agencies. "The India A tour of New Zealand helped me understand my game much better."

Shankar did well for India A in the away series against New Zealand A in November-December last year, especially with the bat, and he credited India A coach Rahul Dravid for the improvement.

"Rahul sir told me one thing that he has faith in my ability to finish games. I think batting at No.5 also suited my game as I was able to close two games and remain unbeaten," he said. "The 87 I scored in a chase of 300 plus against New Zealand A gave me a lot belief that I also belong to this level. In another game, I scored 60-odd in a chase.

"While batting at No. 5, in all these matches when I was going into bat, we required 150 to 160 runs and it was very important that I paced the innings well and played the role of a finisher."

Shankar has been called in as a replacement for Hardik Pandya, who along with KL Rahul, is suspended until further inquiry following their controversial comments on an Indian talk show.

With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 coming up, Shankar does have a chance to cement a spot in the side for the 50-over marquee event. But the all-rounder said he wasn't thinking that far.

"I am not thinking about the World Cup at all to be honest," he said. "It is important to stick to my work ethics regardless of where I am playing. If I start thinking about making the World Cup squad, I don't think I will be enjoying whatever I have with me right now."