The departure of Vijay Shankar from Tamil Nadu cricket marks a significant moment in the sport, as the experienced all-rounder is set to join Tripura. This transition concludes a 13-year journey with his home state, where he played a vital role since the 2011-12 season. Known for his impactful performances in the middle order and contributions with the ball, Shankar’s influence on Tamil Nadu cricket has been substantial. His form in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 476 runs at an average of 52.88, demonstrates his consistent performance. The decision to move to Tripura follows a period marked by injuries, team changes, and ‘rest’ periods, which seemingly prompted him to seek new challenges. Shankar’s cricketing journey includes representing India in both ODIs and T20Is. He boasts 70 First-Class matches, amassing 3,702 runs at an average of 45.14, with 11 centuries. His leadership and talent were instrumental in Tamil Nadu’s successes, including the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy wins in 2016-17, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title in 2021-22. While his exit marks the end of an era for Tamil Nadu, it also signifies a fresh start for Shankar, potentially opening doors for him to shine with a new team and possibly regain a prominent position in the IPL with CSK.
