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Vijay Shankar entered Indian Premier League (IPL) history books with fastest half-century for defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) from just 21 balls. Shankar unleashed absolute carnage in death overs to score his first IPL half-century after the 2020 season.
Shankar walked out to bat at no.5 in the 14th over of Titans' innings at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmebdad. Shankar started off well with a boundary off leg-spinner Suyash Sharma in the 16th over. At the end of 18th over, Shankar had 22 runs to his name from 13 balls. In the penultimate over, he used Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson's pace and hit him for three fours and two sixes in the 25-run over.
In the final over, Shankar hit Shardul Thakur for a massive six to complete his half-century from just 21 balls. He hit a hat-trick of sixes in the final over to help Titans cross the 200-run mark. 204/4 is Titans' highest score in IPL. Shankar remained unbeaten for 63 off 24 balls including four fours and five sixes.
“(I am) Enjoying a lot more (this season). Last year something was off. This year I came in after a lot of runs in domestic. Franchise retained me, showed confidence in me. Support staff has been helping me a lot since we started our camp here,” Shankar told the broadcasters after his blistering knock.
The all-rounder played just four matches in the previous season and managed to score 19 runs. He remained wicketless with the ball as well. He thanked Titans for retaining him and thanked them for showing faith despite three lacklustre seasons in a row.
“(I) have been working really hard. It was tough. I got injured in World Cup. (I) didn't do well in couple of IPL seasons. (It was) very important for us to keep doing well at whatever level. If we keep doing well, playing for country will happen automatically. Want to thank trainers and physio at NCA, and also here. I had surgery after last IPL and was out for a few months,” the 32-year-old said after his joint-highest IPL score.
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