Tamil Nadu Cricket Loses Star All-Rounder Vijay Shankar to Tripura

Vijay Shankar, a key figure in Tamil Nadu cricket, is set to depart the team and join Tripura. This move comes after a 13-year tenure and follows his participation in the Buchi Babu tournament for the TNCA President’s XI. Shankar, a 34-year-old all-rounder, has been a crucial asset to Tamil Nadu since his debut in the 2011-12 season, providing consistent performances with both bat and ball. His impressive statistics, including 476 runs at an average of 52.88 during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, highlight his value to the team. However, factors such as injuries, shifts in team composition, and being sidelined for important matches appear to have influenced his decision to seek new prospects. His contribution to Tamil Nadu extended beyond domestic cricket, as he also represented India in ODIs and T20Is. Shankar’s calm batting style, medium-pace bowling, and composure under pressure have earned him recognition. He played a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu’s triumphs, including the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophies in 2016-17 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title in 2021-22. The shift signifies the end of an era for Tamil Nadu cricket, opening the door for new talent, while also presenting Shankar with a fresh opportunity to excel in a different setting, potentially leading to a resurgence in his career.