Vijay Shankar Announces Retirement From Indian Cricket, Opens Door For Overseas Leagues. Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from Indian cricket, ending a long journey across domestic cricket, international matches, and the IPL. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder decided after years of service as a dependable batter and useful medium-pace option.
Shankar represented India in ODIs and T20Is between 2018 and 2019. He played 12 ODIs, scoring 223 runs and taking four wickets. He also featured in nine T20Is, scoring 101 runs and picking up five wickets. His biggest international moment came during the 2019 ODI World Cup. He dismissed Imam-ul-Haq with his first ball on World Cup debut against Pakistan.
At the domestic level, Shankar was an important figure for Tamil Nadu for many years. He scored more than 3,700 runs in first-class cricket and crossed 2,600 runs in List A cricket. His ability to bat in the middle order and bowl medium pace made him a valuable team player.
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Tamil Nadu Exit Came Before Retirement
Before announcing retirement, Shankar had already moved away from Tamil Nadu cricket ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season. Reports suggested he was unhappy with the limited clarity and opportunities at this stage of his career. That decision had already raised questions about his future in Indian domestic cricket.
Shankar also enjoyed a long IPL career with several franchises. He represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, and Gujarat Titans. He returned to CSK in 2025, but his IPL future became uncertain after the 2026 auction. He entered the IPL 2026 auction as an uncapped player under the five-year rule. However, he remained unsold at a base price of ₹30 lakh. That development added to speculation about his next career move.
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His retirement from Indian cricket could now open doors for overseas franchise leagues. Under BCCI rules, Indian players must retire from domestic cricket and the IPL before playing abroad. Shankar leaves Indian cricket remembered for resilience, versatility, and one unforgettable World Cup moment.