In a surprising development for cricket fans in Tamil Nadu, the state’s prominent all-rounder, Vijay Shankar, has decided to leave his home team. Just a week after playing for the TNCA President’s XI in the Buchi Babu tournament, the 34-year-old has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is set to join Tripura, concluding a successful 13-year period with Tamil Nadu cricket. Shankar has been a mainstay in Tamil Nadu’s middle order since his debut in the 2011-12 season. He consistently delivered valuable performances and contributed with the ball. His form, exemplified by scoring 476 runs at an average of 52.88 during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, underscores his importance. A combination of injuries, team changes, and being ‘rested’ for key matches, such as the second round of the Buchi Babu tournament, seemingly prompted his move to seek new opportunities. Shankar has played 70 First-Class matches, accumulating 3,702 runs at an average of 45.14, including 11 centuries. He was instrumental in Tamil Nadu’s victories, including the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy in 2016-17 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title in 2021-22. This transition marks the end of an era for Tamil Nadu cricket and the beginning of a new chapter for Shankar, potentially leading to success with another domestic team and possibly a return to the IPL with CSK.
