"Playing in South Africa will be a good opportunity and a challenge. My focus will be to play my natural game. If I can perform to the best of my ability, I will be more than happy and the rest will follow," the 26-year old all-rounder said.
He agreeed that conditions in South Africa would be challenging, batting-wise.
However, Shankar doesn't want to get carried away since he had missed out playing for India 'A' side last year due to an injury after being selected to tour Australia.
"I want to enjoy my cricket. That is my priority now. After what happened last year, I am not getting too far ahead. The tour is important for me to gain experience and do well," he said.
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Selection for the South Africa ODI series, scheduled to begin on July 26, means he will miss the initial matches of the second edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
He has enjoyed a good domestic season, captaining the state to triumphs in the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar trophy tournaments.
The Chennai player followed it up with a decent run in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Later, he kept himself busy playing the city league and was among the runs too.
Looking back at the 2016-'17 domestic season, which saw the State team also reach the Ranji Trophy semifinals, Shankar said, he had a good season.
"Being part of the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad also had a huge impact. Rubbing shoulders with the top players was a great experience. The intensity of their practice and work is something I am striving to imbibe," he said.
Shankar said he had learnt a lot by watching and interacting with Australian opener and SRH captain David Warner.