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'My hard work has paid off. I was not expecting it but it feels great.'
A dream realised it might have been, but rookie India all-rounder Vijay Shankar on Tuesday said getting picked for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka has come as a surprise to him.
Shankar, who was seen as a back-up seam bowling all-rounder to Hardik Pandya, was drafted into the Indian team for the remaining two games of the three-match series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar will miss rest of the series after he asked to be released from the squad for his marriage later this week.
"I am really excited (about the call-up). It has been a long-time dream of mine to be part of the Indian team. Now it has come true. My hard work has paid off. I was not expecting a call-up but now that I am in the squad, it feels great," Shankar said on Tuesday.
"I am looking forward to being part of the Indian dressing room for the first time," he added.
The 26-year-old cricketer, who has played for India 'A' said it has helped him grow as an all-rounder.
"Being part of the India 'A' team has helped me grow as an all-rounder. I have matured as a player and learnt to perform under different situations," he said.
Shankar has been in good form with the bat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and slammed a hundred against Odisha while also bowling long spells, which he said was good.
"I am happy with my batting form. I have been bowling well too and have bowled long spells. Getting four wickets against Mumbai has given me confidence," he said.
Having overcome a series of injuries, which forced him to miss matches and 'A' tours in the past, Shankar is looking forward to better times.
The all-rounder, who led Tamil Nadu to triumphs in the Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, said he has worked hard on his fitness.
"I was frustrated to miss matches, but worked hard on my fitness. Did rehab at the NCA with the physios and trainers there. It has made me stronger," he said.
Shankar, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, said working with former India cricketer and Tamil Nadu bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji had enabled him improve his bowling.
"Working with Balaji has helped me improve my bowling and increase my speed," he said.
His family members were delighted to see him earn a call to the Test team and his brother Ajay, who plays in the TNCA League, said Shankar's hard work and perseverance has paid off.
"We are excited to see him representing the country. Making a debut is a big and a very special time for us. He worked a lot for this," Ajay said.
He also said Shankar's determination helped during the tough times when he was injured and missed matches.
"Vijay put in a lot of hard work and his efforts made him return stronger and earn a spot in the 'A' team," he stated.