Murali Vijay has no easy task on hand in the ICC World Twenty20 being played in the West Indies. Living in the shadow of the terrific Virender Sehwag, his challenge is to live up to the weight of expectations.
Vijay was a last minute replacement in the Indian team for the injured Sehwag and hence comparisons are inevitable. The Tamil Nadu opener has had a mixed start to the campaign. He started brightly with a knock of 48 against Afghanistan but was out for a first-ball duck against South Africa on Sunday.
Seen as someone more suited to the longer version of the game, it has been a pleasant turnaround for Vijay to be in the playing XI of India's T20 team. Vijay owes his success to his fine performances in the just concluded Indian Premier League where he proved his T20 prowess with some fine performances for Chennai Super Kings.
"I am having a great time since IPL and I am enjoying it thoroughly. I never imagined that I would play in the World T20. It is unfortunate though that my idol, Virender Sehwag, got injured," said Vijay.
Vijay said he had picked up valuable tips from Sehwag in the few times he has played with him and is looking to make good use of them here. "I am immensely grateful to Sehwag for guiding me and giving me tips," he said.
"This IPL isu00a0 memorable for me (15 matches, 458 runs). We (CSK) became the champions and thanks to the hundred I got against Rajasthan Royals (127 off 56 balls), a lot of things turned in my favour. The innings pleased the senior players and hence I got the opportunity to play in the World T20," said Vijay.
The Tamil Nadu opener is oozing with confidence and believes there is still scope for improvement. "My best is yet to come," he said.
Taking catches in style at long on and long off, Vijay's fielding has been eye-catching and received praise from his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the opening match here. "I am enjoying it thoroughly. Our captain wants each player to contribute in two departments. Apart from batting, in fielding also one can make a big difference. I have to do justice to the people who have reposed faith in me." he said.
Vijay has yet to find a regular place in the Indian side, but he said just being around the veterans has been an education.u00a0 "Spending time with the great players helps you learn so much," Vijay signed off.
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