Indian Test opener M Vijay is just one of the two specialist batsmen in the 17-member Indian squad to have prior knowledge of playing Test cricket in the West Indies. With both Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir missing out, the 2011 tour to the West Indies was Vijay’s first full series as an opener. Though India pocketed the series 1-0, Vijay managed just 72 runs from three Tests.
Having firmly established himself as a solid top-order batsman with five centuries and 10 half centuries since that season, Vijay is looking to make his mark this time around. While he wasn’t too perturbed, he admitted that his performance in the West Indies has not been up to the expectations as he had a below par ICC Word T20 in 2010, and an unimpressive ODI show in 2013.
Having toured the West Indies thrice in his career, Vijay is now confident of an improved show in the upcoming four-match Test series. “I have been to West Indies three times before. Obviously, I have a fair bit of idea how it is going to be there,” said the opener after the Indian camp’s morning session in the ongoing camp at the National Cricket Academy here on Thursday.
“The last time wasn’t good. Overall, the team did well, but personally not that great. Hopefully, I can pull it off this time. We have to be prepared overall because this is the start of our season. I’m looking to stick to my basics and be as consistent as possible in the season, and if I can do that, I’ll be happy at the end of it.”
The 32-year-old said he enjoys playing in the Caribbean. “It is a great place to play cricket because there is more fun and there is competition inside. So, we cannot ask for more as cricketers. There is entertainment overall and we are looking forward to this series,” he said.
With India set to host 13 Tests at home this season, Vijay said it was vital that the team began on a positive note. “It will be a confidence boost for us to play and perform and execute our plans. Then we come back and play matches in the home series. So there is lot at stake for us.”
Like the rest of the boys in the team and in the camp, Vijay is relishing the opportunity to work with India legend Anil Kumble in his new role as the Head Coach. “My first Test match was his last Test match, so I could not spend lot of time with him, but I have been a great fan of his as a youngster. It is a great opportunity for youngsters to talk to him about cricket and learn from him and improve their game. So it will be a great time for us.”
