Vijay Shankar Fifty: GT vs KKR LIVE – Vijay Shankar entered beast mode on Sunday as he tore apart the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Promoted ahead of David Miller, the all-rounder put on a show of six hitting to take Gujarat Titans to an above-par score. The TN veteran smashed the third-fastest half-century of the season, including 5 sixes in the final overs of Lockie Ferguson and Shardul Thakur. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
Vijay Shankar had his moment in the sun on a hot Sunday afternoon at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Eyebrows were raised as the TN star was promoted ahead of David Miller given GT’s need for quick runs at the death. Shankar however shut his critics in an excellent display of power hitting.
𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 💪💥
The ball flew to all parts of Motera as Vijay Shankar powered @gujarat_titans to their 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 #TATAIPL total 😱
Enjoy the chase in #GTvKKR, LIVE & FREE with #IPLonJioCinema – for all telecom operators!#IPL2023 | @vijayshankar260 pic.twitter.com/3fGqVAW2vj
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 9, 2023
The 32-year-0ld was quick off the blocks scoring 22 off 13 balls entering the final two overs of the game. Shankar then took the attack to Lockie Ferguson who bowled the 19th over of the game. He picked up a four off a no-ball to begin, following it up with a couple of maximums. The feat was impressive considering Lockie Ferguson had clocked 154 kmph earlier in the game, the fastest ball of the season.
He followed it up with a hat-trick oof sixes off Shardul Thakur to take Gujarat Titans past 200. Shankar en route reached his half-century in just 21 balls. It is the third fastest so far in the tournament.
Vijay Shankar’s run of form comes in a World Cup year with India struggling with injuries. The TN all-rounder had featured in the last edition but it did not pan out well. Shankar however is not too bothered and is keeping things simple.
Speaking after the innings, Shankar said, “Have been working really hard. It was tough. I got injured in World Cup. Didn’t do well in couple of IPL seasons. Very important for us to keep doing well at whatever level. If we keep doing well, playing for country will happen automatically. Want to thank trainers and physio at NCA, and also here. I had surgery after last IPL and was out for a few months.”
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