Former India cricketer Vijay Shankar announced his retirement from domestic and IPL cricket on Friday. The 35-year-old played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India and last featured in national colors at the 2019 ODI World Cup.
He played 77 First-Class matches, scoring 4,253 runs and taking 43 wickets. He also featured in 78 IPL matches.
“After 15 years, I felt I needed a new challenge and wanted to try opportunities overseas while I still have a few years of cricket left in me,” Vijay Shankar told. Sportstar.
“When I started playing cricket, the dream was to get a Tamil Nadu cap. From there, going on to play for India in two formats was a great journey. I want to thank my coach, S. Balaji and my family for their constant support.”
As skipper, Vijay Shankar led Tamil Nadu to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy (both 2017) and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 titles (2021-22). His last season in domestic cricket was for Tripura (2025–26).
However, constant injuries hurt his chances of playing at the highest level for longer. “Obviously, at that time, it was difficult. But in hindsight, I don’t have many regrets, because some of those injuries were beyond my control. I am happy with my journey.”
Among his most memorable moments, Vijay Shankar felt that playing for India in the 2019 World Cup clash against Pakistan was a highlight of his career.
His selection for the quadrennial event was a contentious call when he pipped Ambati Rayudu for the spot in the squad. The then chairman of the selection committee, MSK Prasad, had justified his inclusion by calling him a three-dimensional cricketer for his handy medium-pace bowling. Rayudu later quipped that ‘he had ordered 3D glasses to watch the World Cup’ in reference to Vijay Shankar’s selection.
Later, the TN cricketer recalled receiving a lot of hate and vitriol online following that comment.
On his social media post announcing his retirement, Vijay Shankar referenced those tough times and how he moved on from them and signed off as ‘Your 3D Cricketer’.
Published on May 22, 2026
