Vijay Shankar, a prominent name in Indian cricket, bid adieu to cricket and called off his long cricketing career. On the Friday evening, the Tamil Nadu star shared a post on social media where he wrote, “I have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.”
Adding to that, he also wrote, “Thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team - many learnings, countless memories and various inspirations! Representing the country will be my highest badge of honour. Bowling the last over at India's 500th ODI at Nagpur and my First ball, first wicket at the 2019 World Cup are moments I will hold onto forever!”
The all-rounder has shaped his career with the Tamil Nadu cricket team, and represented the team from the under-13, 15, 17, 19, 22, and 25. He has also represented the senior men's side and captained it for a while. He has also represented the Tripura domestic side in the 2025-26 IPL season.
IPL career
All-rounder Vijay’s IPL journey began in 2013 with CSK, although he featured in only one match the following season. He returned to the league in 2017 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, making four appearances before enjoying a more regular run with Delhi Capitals in 2018, where he contributed 212 runs and picked up a wicket.
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Vijay then rejoined SRH and remained with the franchise from 2019 to 2021. In 2022, he became part of the Gujarat Titans during their title-winning campaign, though he played only four matches that season.
— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) May 22, 2026
His finest IPL season with the bat arrived in 2023 when he amassed 301 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.10. A return to CSK followed in 2025, but a disappointing campaign saw him go unsold in the subsequent IPL auction.
The 2019 World Cup memories
Vijay’s performances in the IPL also paved the way for an international breakthrough, as he represented the India national cricket team in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is during 2018 and 2019. He was notably included in India’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was entrusted with the important No. 4 role thanks to his batting versatility and ability to contribute with medium pace in English conditions.
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Vijay featured in three matches at the tournament before suffering a net injury that cut short his campaign. However, he still produced a memorable moment during India’s clash against Pakistan's national cricket team when he replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar midway through an over and dismissed Imam-ul-Haq with his very first delivery at the World Cup.
Lastly, he has written, thanking everyone by calling himself a 3D cricketer, “I have faced unreal hate and negativity. Let me take this opportunity to let you know that I chose to ignore and move forward. If I can do that, anyone can! Think positive and work hard. Cricket has taught me life. Cricket is my life.”
