Vijay Shankar Leaves Tamil Nadu Cricket for Tripura: A New Journey Begins
A Surprising Departure from Tamil Nadu Cricket
In a surprising turn of events that has left cricket enthusiasts in Tamil Nadu in disbelief, Vijay Shankar, the state's most reliable all-rounder, has decided to part ways with his home team. Just a week after competing for the TNCA President's XI in the Buchi Babu tournament, the 34-year-old has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is set to join Tripura, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 13-year career with Tamil Nadu cricket.
A Significant Loss for Tamil Nadu Cricket
Since his debut in the 2011-12 season, Vijay Shankar has been an integral part of Tamil Nadu's middle order, often rescuing the team with crucial performances and valuable contributions with the ball. His outstanding form during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 476 runs at an impressive average of 52.88, underscores his importance as a seasoned player.
However, a combination of injuries, team dynamics, and being rested for key matches, such as the second round of the Buchi Babu tournament against Maharashtra, seems to have prompted him to seek new challenges.
Coach M. Senthilnathan Reflects on Shankar's Impact
“He has made significant contributions to Tamil Nadu cricket, and his efforts have been appreciated by everyone. While we will miss him now that he has decided to leave the State team, we wish him all the best. This also opens up opportunities for emerging players to step up and excel for the team.”
Vijay Shankar: A Brief Overview
Vijay Shankar is not just a domestic star; he has also represented India in ODIs and T20Is. Known for his composed batting, medium-pace bowling, and ability to handle pressure, he has played 70 First-Class matches, scoring 3,702 runs at an average of 45.14, including 11 centuries.
He played a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu's title victories, helping the team secure the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy in the 2016-17 season and clinching the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title in 2021-22.
A New Chapter Awaits
While his departure signifies the end of an era for Tamil Nadu cricket, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Vijay Shankar. This transition may lead him to excel in a different domestic environment and potentially make a return to the IPL spotlight with CSK. Fans remain hopeful that this next step will revitalize his career and bring him back to the forefront of Indian cricket.