Life of a sports person can be as challenging as it gets, where failures accompany them more than successes. It takes a great deal of mental strength and determination to overcome these phases where even after doing their bit with the greatest dedication, success is not confirmed.

Vijay Shankar made it to the 2019 ICC World Cup squad on the back of a terrific domestic record for Tamil Nadu, and played three matches in the tournament as well. However, an untimely injury took his chance away to feature further in the tournament. 

Last year, he underwent a major surgery as well which kept him out of the game for a while. However, every time we saw him, he carried a bright smile filled with optimism.

On Sunday, we were bestowed to a finishing masterclass from Vijay Shankar, where power met precision and timing to take us past our first 200+ total in TATA IPL. What we saw against Kolkata Knight Riders was on cards after he had bounced back with a bang in the recently concluded domestic season. 

In Ranji Trophy 2022-23, Shankar smashed 483 runs in seven innings, which included three centuries and two half-centuries. He carried that form into the TATA IPL straight away, making his presence felt from Day 1. 

He walked out as an Impact Player against Chennai Super Kings and scored some vital runs, before making his way into the Playing XI against Delhi Capitals. With that astonishing finish against Kolkata, where he accumulated 41 runs in his last 10 deliveries. Shankar’s redemption adds further depth to our exceptional finishing pack, giving us that extra cutting edge going forward. 

“I worked really hard, I have to credit our Batting Coach Gary Kirsten. Just before the season started, we had enough time to work on a few things. This was much needed for me as I was playing T20 cricket after a year. It is important for me to do well for the team, I walked in at a different situation when compared to previous matches, but I really enjoyed batting today,” Shankar said after the match. 

When the going gets tough, players with a big heart like Vijay Shankar get going. He has 119 runs so far after our third match against KKR, at an average of 59.50 and a strike rate of 175.  

The redemption has only just begun, and we’re sure the #TitansFAM will be eagerly waiting for more of these from the bat of our champion.