Nidahas Trophy 2018: 5 talking points about India from the tournament

#4 The emergence of Vijay Shankar as a 5th bowling option

Vijay Shankar has been impressive as a fifth bowling optionwith the ball in the Nidahas Trophy

The absence of Hardik Panya was a perfect opportunity for Vijay Shankar to showcase his skills at the international level. The 27-year-old all-rounder from Tamil Nadu impressed one and all with his bowling skills this Nidahas Trophy.

Shankar bowled in the middle overs and controlled the flow of runs as well as picked up vital wickets at crucial moments in the game. He was the Man of the Match in the second game against Bangladesh when he picked up 2 wickets for 32 runs.

In 4 matches in the group stages in the Nidahas Trophy, he has picked up 3 wickets at an average of 35 and an economy of 8.07 which was impressive considering the high scoring matches. However he leaked runs in the finals against Bangladesh when he conceded 48 runs in his 4 overs. Shankar is young at the international level and will only improve with time.

He struggled with the bat in the finals which was his first international innings and he scored 17 runs in 19 balls.

However, he has had an impressive start to his international career with the ball and would be hoping to represent India in all formats in the near future.