Much before Rinku Singh had pulled off an electrifying heist in Ahmedabad with his five back to back sixes to direct Kolkata Knight Riders to a three-wicket win in IPL 2023 against Gujarat Titans, Twitter had gone swirling watching an uncommon thump from Vijay Shankar which reignited recollections from 2019 World Cup. 

Shankar had hit a dazzling unbeaten thump of 63 that directed GT to their very first 200 or more aggregate. Ravi Shastri, a former India coach, also made a powerful “World Cup selection” comment about the all-rounder after the injury.

A hat-trick of MAXIMUMS, ft. @vijayshankar260 🔥 🔥

Relive those SIXES 🔽 #TATAIPL | #GTvKKR | @gujarat_titans pic.twitter.com/nnRwMh3LtJ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2023

Vijay Shankar had made his case for a spot in the 2019 World Cup team four years ago, following an impressive run in limited-overs play

This eventually led to a huge controversy, as the much-favored Ambati Rayudu was dropped from consideration. Shankar’s World Cup experience and international career both ended in disappointment.

The all-rounder, on the other hand, is back with three impressive runs. Shankar stunned everyone on Sunday with his unbeaten 63 off just 24 balls, which included five sixes and four boundaries, after scoring 56 runs in the first two innings of IPL 2023.

After the innings, Shastri, who was the lead trainer during that 2019 World Cup competition, reviewed Shankar’s choice and saw a closeness in form.

“The fact that Vijay was picked for the World Cup is because he had this kind of talent. And I am glad that he has gone back, worked hard, and not given up. You know he has had some tough times, he has had an operation as well, but he has come back strong,” .

Shastri said while speaking on Star Sports

“Beautiful hitting today because he is a clean striker of the ball, he has got a wide range of shots and, because of his reach and height, he can hit the ball a long, long way. Great to see. This is the strength of the Gujarat Titans. They have got some power hitters in the back end of the innings. So if they get off to a good start then they are a very dangerous side at the back end of the innings,”

he added.

Even though Shankar is unlikely to play for India again, a miraculous turn of events in IPL 2023 could see him do so.