Off-field rapport with Dhawan aids on-field performance, says Vijay

Murali Vijay’s return should be a boost to India’s hopes

Indian opening batsman Murali Vijay felt that his off-field bond with fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan has helped them forge a good partnership while batting at the top of the order for India. Vijay was speaking to TOI before the start of the four-match Test series.

The 31-year-old Indian batsman missed out on two Test matches against Sri Lanka owing to a hamstring injury. He was speaking about his preparation for the upcoming Test series and his relationship with Dhawan.

“I think we both have been great friends off the field and we share a great rapport. The strong bond that we share comes through when we both go in to bat. We both understand each other very well and know each other's style of batting,” Vijay said.

Vijay also mentioned how the both of them help each other out in the middle by analysing the match situation and the opposition. He stressed the importance of communication with the batting partner in order to motivate each other and build a solid partnership.

In the 2013-14 series against South Africa, Vijay scored 97 in the Durban Test. This innings against quality bowling opposition will give Vijay much-needed confidence that he needs in order to maintain his good run of form in Test cricket.

After missing out on two Tests in Sri Lanka, Vijay has been working his way back to full fitness and he believes that he is prepared to take on the South African bowling attack.

The South African bowlers were in excellent form in the ODI and T20I series. The Proteas will be boosted by the return of Morne Morkel, who could prove very vital to their team’s success.

“I am in a great space mentally and have been practicing hard for the series. I am really looking forward to the battle against the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. South Africa have always been a good side and I see this series as a good challenge. I have gained full fitness now and I'm keen on getting the side off to a good start,” he said.

In the last four Test series he has played in, Vijay has been in brilliant form with batting averages of 40.20, 60.25, 150 and 41 against England, Australia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively.

India will be hoping that Vijay’s purple patch continues and that he will be able to provide a stable and solid start to the innings. The first Test starts on November 5 in Mohali, a pitch which assists pace and has good carry, something that the South African bowlers might particularly enjoy.