Vijay Shankar praises Titans for their united team atmosphere

The Gujarat Titans, in just their second season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have emerged as a formidable force, impressing fans and pundits alike. Their recent victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders showcased the team’s positive culture, strong team management, and a relentless bowling attack. Vijay Shankar, the batting all-rounder, credited the team management for creating a supportive and encouraging environment that has played a pivotal role in the Titans’ success. With a well-rounded squad and a focus on effective communication and practice, the Titans have established themselves as serious contenders in the IPL.

Vijay Shankar highlighted the crucial role played by the team management in fostering a positive atmosphere within the dressing room. He emphasized that the Titans stick together and dedicate extensive hours to practice, which sets them apart from other teams. The team management ensures clarity of roles and provides the necessary support to each player. Shankar praised the inclusive culture that extends beyond the players to the support staff and net bowlers, emphasizing that everyone’s contributions deserve credit.

Shankar pointed out the strong rapport between Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who share a language and constantly communicate on the field. Despite a rare off-day for Rashid, he continued to support Noor, who delivered an excellent bowling performance. This exemplifies the team’s commitment to unity and communication, fostering an environment where players can thrive even during challenging situations.

The Titans’ success can be largely attributed to their formidable bowling attack. With a pool of five to six reliable bowlers, the team consistently applies pressure on opponents and creates wicket-taking opportunities. In the match against the Knight Riders, they restricted their opponents to 179 runs on a pitch where 200 was considered par. The ability to consistently take wickets, adapt to different surfaces, and maintain a tight grip on the run rate has been a significant strength for the Titans throughout the tournament.

Despite his personal struggles this season, Hardik Pandya’s leadership has been invaluable for the Gujarat Titans. Shankar praised Pandya’s aggression, his willingness to take responsibility, and his ability to perform under pressure. Pandya’s positive attitude and leading-by-example approach have had a significant impact on the team, instilling trust and confidence among the players. His contributions, both on and off the field, have been instrumental in creating a cohesive unit.

Vijay Shankar himself has been in impressive form during the IPL season, demonstrating excellent ball-striking ability and contributing crucial runs for the team. After recovering from injury, Shankar made significant changes to his diet and focused on the mental aspect of his game, which resulted in improved performance. The support and guidance from the team management have played a vital role in his resurgence, allowing him to excel in his role as a batting all-rounder.

With the World Cup scheduled in six months, Shankar’s consistent performances have sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in the national team once again. However, Shankar remains focused on the present, emphasizing that his primary goal is to contribute to his team’s success and enjoy the game of cricket. Regardless of World Cup selection, Shankar’s dedication to improving his skills and playing a vital role for the Gujarat Titans exemplifies his passion for the sport.