With six wins in eight matches, the Gujarat Titans are off to a terrific start in TATA IPL 2023. All the players involved so far have contributed positively to the side and our all-rounder Vijay Shankar has credited the whole team for our success so far. 

“It’s just that we have to find a way to come out good in every situation. The team management does well to keep everyone’s morale high. The amount of practice is a lot and we work hard to ensure we’re prepared for tough situations in the tournament,” Shankar said in the post-match conference in Kolkata. 

“The captain, coach and everyone in the support staff work hard to keep us in a good space. It’s not just giving whatever we want, it’s about doing the right things. We practise with purpose, our roles are defined well and everyone is well prepared to do a good job for the team. From those who do the throwdowns for hours to all the ball boys, they all think positively for the team. We have to give them the credit.”

After Abhinav Manohar picked up the Player of the Match last time, it was our Irish star Josh Little taking the honours after a terrific spell in the middle overs against KKR, where he picked up two big wickets of Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana. 

“Last game, Abhinav (Manohar) came in and produced a Player of the Match performance. That’s the best thing about our team, different individuals have stepped up in each game. Noor and Josh did that today,” Shankar said. 

He also emphasised on the bowling decisions taken by Noor and Little, who returned with two wickets each and were very economical on the day. 

“Noor and Little bowled really good lengths. Be it T20 or any other format, that length works well. Josh didn’t try anything different and stuck to basics, Noor did the same too. It is a great learning for us, helps us understand what are the right areas to bowl on a pitch like this,” he added.  

It has been quite a journey for Shankar, who had to undergo a surgery and returned to play after a lengthy stay on the sidelines. 

“Before the TATA IPL, I was out for five-six months with an injury. When I returned during the Ranji Trophy, I made a lot of changes to my daily approach. I followed a diet and tried to work on the mental aspect of my game. With all of that, adding to it the management of Gujarat Titans backing me, it’s coming out pretty good right now,” Shankar explained. 

The Titans are currently occupying the top spot on the points table with 12 points and will face the Delhi Capitals next in Ahmedabad on May 2.