India All-Rounder Vijay Shankar Announces Retirement From Domestic Cricket and IPL With Immediate Effect
Apart from playing for India in ICC World Cup 2019, Shankar participated in domestic competitions like featured prominently across the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Indian Premier League, Tamil Nadu Premier League and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for teams like Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Chepauk Super Gillies, CSK, SRH and GT.
Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), with immediate effect. The 35-year-old middle-order batter and medium-pacer confirmed his decision on Friday, bringing down the curtain on an eventful career that spanned over a decade and peaked with an appearance at the 2019 ICC World Cup cycle's equivalent in cricket. You can follow Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match scorecard here.
Vijay Shankar Announces Retirement
— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) May 22, 2026
Shankar’s decision to retire comes after a period of transition in his career. In late 2025, after 13 years of representing his home state of Tamil Nadu, the all-rounder made a high-profile switch to Tripura as a professional player for the 2025–26 domestic season, citing a lack of clarity and consistent opportunities from the home state selectors.
He featured prominently for Tripura across the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournaments throughout the winter. However, following the conclusion of the domestic cycle and missing out on an active stint in the ongoing 2026 IPL season, Shankar has decided it is the right time to step away from competitive cricket. IPL 2026 Rivalries: From Shubman Gill to Ishan Kishan Why Young Stars Are Silencing CSK's Yellow Army.
From Domestic Success to the World Cup
Shankar first rose to prominence during the 2014–15 domestic season with Tamil Nadu, scoring 577 runs to help guide his team to the Ranji Trophy final. Known for his technical composure and handy medium-pace bowling, he went on to captain Tamil Nadu to titles in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Deodhar Trophy.
His consistent domestic exploits earned him an international call-up. He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut during the Nidahas Trophy in 2018, where he won a Player of the Match award against Bangladesh.
The undisputed pinnacle of his international career came in April 2019 when he was a surprise inclusion in India's squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup in England. He made history during the tournament by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim a wicket with his very first ball on a World Cup debut, dismissing Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq. An unfortunate toe injury later in the tournament prematurely cut his campaign short, and he made his final international appearance against the West Indies in June 2019. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Presented With Virat Kohli Signed MRF Cricket Bat by Madras Rubber Factory Delegation.
Indian Premier League Journey
Shankar was also a familiar figure in the IPL, turning out for multiple prominent franchises. Over his career, he represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and the Gujarat Titans.
His most notable franchise spell came with the Gujarat Titans between 2022 and 2024, where he played a reliable role in their middle order. Throughout his career, Shankar was highly regarded by teammates and coaches as a thoroughly professional team man, capable of adapting his batting position anywhere from number three to number seven depending on tactical requirements.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2026 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
