Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing an end to a career that saw him represent India at the international level, feature in the 2019 ODI World Cup and enjoy success across domestic cricket and the IPL.
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder confirmed on Friday that he would step away from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League to “pursue new opportunities and play more cricket”.
In an emotional statement shared on social media, Shankar reflected on his two-decade-long journey in the game.
“Cricket is my life. I started playing when I was 10, and 25 years later, I am grateful and blessed to have played at every level and to the highest level. Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments,” Shankar wrote.
— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) May 22, 2026
The 34-year-old represented India in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is, scoring 324 international runs while also picking up nine wickets.
Shankar was notably part of India’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, where he was selected ahead of Ambati Rayudu in a controversial decision that sparked widespread debate at the time.
He featured in three matches during the tournament before a toe injury ruled him out, with Mayank Agarwal replacing him in the squad.
Recalling some of his favourite moments in India colours, Shankar wrote, “Bowling the last over at India’s 500th ODI at Nagpur and my first ball, first wicket at the 2019 World Cup are moments I will hold onto forever.”
In the IPL, Shankar played 78 matches and represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, including during Gujarat’s title-winning campaign in 2022.
At the domestic level, Shankar remained one of Tamil Nadu’s most dependable performers and also captained the state side to titles in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
He later turned out for Tripura in the final phase of his domestic career.
The all-rounder also thanked the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, his TNPL franchises and former teams for shaping his journey in the sport.
Signing off, Shankar addressed the criticism he faced during different phases of his career and described himself as the “3D cricketer” — a reference that became synonymous with him after the 2019 World Cup selection debate.
“I have faced unreal hate and negativity. Let me take this opportunity to let you know that I chose to ignore and move forward. If I can do that, anyone can,” he wrote.
“Cricket has taught me life. Cricket is my life. Grateful and blessed. Your 3D cricketer, Vijay Shankar.”