Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him represent India across formats and play for multiple IPL franchises over the last decade.
The all-rounder, who was part of India’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, said he now wants to pursue opportunities in franchise leagues outside India and continue playing cricket in new environments.
Shankar last played for India during the 2019 World Cup in Manchester against the West Indies cricket team before a toe injury prematurely ended his campaign. He was unable to regain a place in the national side after that setback.
IPL journey across four franchises
During his IPL career, Shankar represented four franchises across different phases of his journey.
He first featured for Chennai Super Kings in 2014 and later returned to the side in 2025. Between 2017 and 2021, he played a key role for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while also spending a season with Delhi Capitals in 2018.
From 2022 to 2024, he turned out for Gujarat Titans. However, he went unsold in the latest IPL auction and did not feature in the recent season.
Emotional farewell message
Announcing his decision on X, Shankar shared an emotional message reflecting on his long association with the sport.
He described cricket as his life and said representing India remained the proudest achievement of his career. Shankar added that after 25 years in the game, he felt grateful to have played at every level.
The cricketer also thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for giving him the opportunity to represent the country.
Across his international career, he played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India.
Among the moments he highlighted were bowling the final over in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and claiming a wicket with his very first delivery in the 2019 World Cup.
Gratitude to Tamil Nadu cricket and support system
Shankar also paid tribute to the domestic cricket structure in Tamil Nadu, thanking teams, coaches and support staff who shaped his career.
He mentioned his involvement in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and acknowledged clubs including Indian Bank, ICF, India Cements and Take Solutions for supporting his growth as a cricketer.
The all rounder expressed gratitude towards physios, trainers, mentors, doctors, media professionals and his family for standing by him throughout his journey.
“I chose to ignore negativity”
Shankar also opened up about the criticism and negativity he faced during his playing career.
He said he chose to ignore the hate directed at him and instead focused on moving forward with resilience.
Encouraging others to stay positive and continue working hard, he credited cricket for teaching him life lessons and shaping his identity.
A strong domestic career
Shankar built an impressive domestic record after making his debut in 2012.
Across 77 First Class matches, he scored 4,253 runs at an average of 46.73, including 13 centuries and 23 half centuries, while also taking 43 wickets.
In List A cricket, he amassed 2,790 runs at an average of 34.87 with two hundreds and 15 fifties, alongside 73 wickets.
He also remained a regular presence in T20 cricket, featuring in 159 matches over the course of his career and establishing himself as a dependable all round option in Indian domestic cricket.
