‘Must Feel For Vijay Shankar But Delighted Mayank Agarwal in Team’

Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar was on Monday, 1 July, ruled out of the ongoing World Cup due to a toe injury and will be replaced by batsman Mayank Agarwal, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

Shankar is the second Indian player to be ruled out of the tournament after senior opener Shikhar Dhawan exited due to a thumb fracture, sustained in the game against Australia. Rishabh Pant had replaced him.

"Vijay Shankar was struck on the left big toe whilst batting in the nets on June 19th in Southampton. He was able to play in an unrestricted manner in the following two matches against Afghanistan and West Indies," said the BCCI in a statement.

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar Manjrekar felt the opener would give India more options in the batting line-up as compared to all-rounder Shankar.

"With due respect to Vijay Shankar, you have to feel for him, but I am delighted that Mayank Agarwal is in this team now as an option as he is a class player. He made his Test debut in Australia and impressed," he pointed out.

The BCCI named Agarwal as Shankar's replacement and it was approved by the International Cricket Council. The Indian team had requested the BCCI for a "suitable top-order batsman".

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said, "If you want to know how your world can turn, look at Vijay Shanker. The excitement of being at the World Cup, getting a few games, then an injury and uncertainty again. Remember these are young men, have to feel for them."

Then there is Mayank Agarwal. Top of his game for a couple of years, fine test debut, not among the contenders & then an opportunity to play in a World Cup at a crucial time. Delighted for him & it is a good choice. But it also tells you how far poor Rayudu has gone off the radar

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 1, 2019

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hessen told Star Sports that Mayank Agarwal is a special talent.

“I think Mayank Agarwal is a very good selection, I’m eagerly waiting to see how it goes for him. His selection indicates that maybe the team wants him to open and place KL Rahul at No.4 as Mayank Agarwal can also attack the seamers and play spin well once he gets through the Powerplay phase,” Hessen told Star Sports.

(With inputs from PTI)