India vs Australia 2019: 3 reasons both Hardik and Vijay Shankar should play in the T20Is
The BCCI announced India's squad for the 2 T20Is and 5 ODIs against Australia and there were a few selections and omissions which surprised us all. The home series will begin on February 24th with a T20I at Vishakapatnam and what the playing XI of India will be is a major question every fan's mind.
Of the players who have recently made it to the squad, Vijay Shankar has impressed the most. The batting-all rounder from Tamil Nadu showed real character while batting in the ODIs and did a good job when he was promoted to No.3 in the T20Is. He is no slouch with the ball and does his job cleanly and doesn't bowl too many loose balls.
India's squad for the T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Mayank Markande
Vijay Shankar will want some game-time in the T20I series before playing in the ODIs though it won't be easy with Hardik Pandya offering competition but it won't be so if the two play together.
Here are 3 reasons why India must play both Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar in the T20Is.
#3 Provide flexibility to the batting order
The first thing which will happen when both Vijay and Hardik play is that it will give the Indian batting order flexibility. Vijay Shankar was promoted to No.3 in the T20I series in Kohli's absence and when quick runs were needed, batsmen like Pant or Hardik Pandya went in to bat.
The good thing about Vijay Shankar is that he can bat at almost any position and adapts to the requirement easily. Playing Hardik alongside can prove to be deadly as the latter can provide quick runs and hit big sixes whereas the former possesses solidity and good timing.