Vijay Shankar Announces Retirement from Competitive Cricket
Vijay Shankar Bids Farewell to Competitive Cricket
Vijay Shankar, the Indian all-rounder known for his contributions to the national team, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura, has officially declared his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Shankar expressed his intention to explore new avenues while continuing to engage with the sport in various roles. This announcement follows his release from the Chennai Super Kings prior to the IPL 2026 auction, where he went unsold.
A Journey Filled with Highlights
Reflecting on his international career, Shankar made his debut against Sri Lanka in 2018 and played his last match for India against the West Indies during the 2019 World Cup. Over his international tenure, he participated in 12 One Day Internationals and nine T20 Internationals, scoring a total of 324 runs and taking nine wickets. His career was marked by memorable moments, including the pressure of bowling the final over in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur, taking a wicket with his first delivery in a World Cup, and delivering a crucial spell of 2/22 against Pakistan in the 2019 tournament.
In the IPL, Shankar accumulated 1,233 runs and claimed nine wickets throughout his career, representing various franchises such as Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans, before concluding his journey with Chennai Super Kings in 2025. He also had a significant presence in domestic cricket, playing for Tamil Nadu and Tripura, and competing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. In his farewell message, Shankar expressed deep gratitude to the BCCI, the Indian national team, and all the domestic and franchise teams he played for.
A Grateful Farewell
Beyond his achievements on the field, Shankar took a moment to thank the essential figures behind his success, including coaches, support staff, physios, trainers, media personnel, and doctors. He particularly acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and friends, stating that their encouragement was invaluable during challenging times. Addressing the criticism he faced throughout his career, Shankar shared a message of resilience, admitting to experiencing significant negativity but choosing to rise above it. He encouraged others to maintain a positive outlook, asserting, "If I can do that, anyone can!" He concluded his emotional farewell by paying tribute to cricket, stating, "Cricket has taught me life. Cricket is my life," and expressing his gratitude as "Your 3D cricketer, Vijay Shankar," a nod to the selector's rationale for his inclusion in the 2019 World Cup squad.