Vijay: Felt let down that my commitment was questioned

TNCA replaced Murali Vijay for its final matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy after he did not turn up at the venue for a match against Mumbai.

File image of Murali Vijay with Tamil Nadu coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar.

 

India opener M. Vijay opened up for the first time after the controversy during the Vijay Hazare trophy , and said he was sad with the way the incident played out.

Vijay did not play in Tamil Nadu's match against Mumbai on February 9 after informing the State coach of a niggle and was not present at the ground on the day of the game. 

However, later that day, TNCA replaced the player for the remaining matches and was unhappy that the India Test opener did not turn up at the venue. In a release, it stated the State selection committee, the Team physio and the TNCA were unaware of his shoulder pain.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after slamming a crucial hundred for his club Jolly Rovers in the TNCA first division match, Vijay said, “I just feel sad for whatever that has happened. Things could have been handled better. I’m set to talk with the TNCA officials soon and I feel things will be fine.

He added, “I felt let down that my commitment was questioned and I was hurt. I love playing for Tamil Nadu and take a lot of pride in representing the state. My dream is to win the Ranji Trophy for TN and I’m confident it will happen.”

Speaking about the recent South Africa Test series, Vijay called the tour a learning experience for him personally.

When asked if he felt he did not capitalise with a big score, Vijay said, “In all the tests I got myself in. It all boils down to shot selection, which happens at that level. There were also good bowlers, bowling in good areas and the wickets were little difficult. It was a good learning experience as a top-order batsman, and I am hoping to apply it in the future.”