Chennai: All-rounder Vijay Shankar on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing the curtains down on a career that saw him represent India in both white-ball formats and feature in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Shankar, a mainstay for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, amassing 324 runs in all and picking nine scalps. He was surprisingly preferred ahead of Ambati Rayudu in the main squad and played three matches before a toe injury ended his tournament early, with Mayank Agarwal replacing him.
In his retirement note, Shankar said he now aims to ‘pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.’ “A HEARTFELT THANK YOU. 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.
“I have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket. Thank you will not suffice for letting me do what I love. Eternally grateful. Thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team - many learnings, countless memories, and various inspirations!
“Representing the country will be my highest badge of honour. 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!” wrote Shankar on his social media accounts on Friday.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shankar played 78 games and turned out for Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans, including in their title-winning run in 2022. In domestic cricket, Shankar captained Tamil Nadu to the Vijay Hazare, Deodhar, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy titles before playing for Tripura in the last season. IANS
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