Two bouncers each over is a new rule introduced to the IPL in an attempt to help pace bowlers overcome the big-hitting prowess of batsmen. Thus, how does Gujarat Titans seam bowler Vijay Shankar use the two bouncers in his arsenal? “A bowler needs to use that appropriately. “Every fast bowler uses bouncers on certain really large square boundary grounds in India,” he stated during a virtual news conference held prior to GT’s matchup with Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad.
The batting aspect of things is also relevant to the subject. Renowned for his pyrotechnics while holding a willow, Shankar remarks, “We are practicing a lot and need to be ready for anything.” All you have to do when you go in is respond to whatever is thrown at you, which is actually a fun task.
As a hitter, you typically prepare to hit the stripes following the bowling of the first bouncer. At any time, they can now use a slower bouncer or even bowl the bouncer. As a result, we as a batting team need to be very smart and prepared for any kind of delivery that could happen throughout a game,” he said.
Furthermore, Shubman Gill, who will replace Hardik Pandya as captain for the 2024 Indian Premier League season, has been named by GT. So, what does Shankar think of Gill’s capacity for leadership? Incidentally, Shankar has led Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket.
“To be honest, I don’t see much of a change since, as players, it actually becomes pretty straightforward 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. It was Shubman last year and Hardik the previous two, so there hasn’t really been much change.
“The differences in the first two games were really minimal. We managed to recover from a close loss in the first game. They (CSK) batted exceptionally effectively in the second, and it made the game difficult for us. Nonetheless, he’s doing a great job of supporting the players, which is what a captain does,” he said.
Shankar has batted in positions four and six in the current IPL. According to Shankar, it’s about adjusting to various game circumstances and supporting the team’s objectives. “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 best thing for me if I can help the squad win one or two more games from there.
“You have to be adaptable when it comes to changing your batting in different scenarios if I am batting at number four, five, six, and seven. It’s been very evident here, and it was the same last year. I batted at number three in the match against RCB and at numbers six and seven in the qualifiers.