Vijay Shankar : The Resilient All-Rounder of Indian Cricket

Vijay Shankar, born January 26, 1991, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, is an Indian cricketer renowned for his versatility as a right-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler. His journey from a cricket-loving family to international stardom reflects determination, skill, and adaptability. Below is a comprehensive biography of his life and career.

Early Life and Background

Vijay Shankar comes from a middle-class Brahmin family in Madipakkam, Chennai. He was surrounded by cricket from a young age. His father, H. Shankar, used to play club cricket, and his brother, Ajay, played in lower-division matches for Tamil Nadu. They both helped him grow his love for the game. Training on a terrace net with astro turf and a bowling machine built by his father, Vijay developed his skills early. He studied at Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur, and graduated from Guru Nanak College, Chennai, balancing academics with cricket.

Vijay Shankar : Domestic Career

Shankar debuted for Tamil Nadu in List-A cricket against Andhra in the 2012 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 6 runs. His first-class debut followed in the 2012 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 63 and took 2 wickets. The 2014-15 Ranji Trophy was his breakthrough, scoring 577 runs at an average of 57.70, including centuries (111, 103) and half-centuries (82, 91) in knockout matches. He earned two Man of the Match awards—quarterfinal (111 & 82 vs. Vidarbha) and semifinal (91 & 2/47 vs. Maharashtra)—helping Tamil Nadu reach the final.

As a leader, Shankar captained Tamil Nadu to titles in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He also topped the wicket-takers for India C in the 2018 Deodhar Trophy, cementing his domestic prowess.

Vijay Shankar : International Career

Shankar’s international call-up came in 2017 as a replacement for India’s Test squad against Sri Lanka, though he didn’t play. He debuted in T20Is on March 6, 2018, during the Nidahas Trophy against Sri Lanka, and won Player of the Match in his second game for 2/32, including dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim via DRS. However, his struggles in the tournament final against Bangladesh, where he failed to hit boundaries, led to criticism and a personal setback he later described as a panic attack.

In January 2019, Shankar replaced the suspended Hardik Pandya for ODIs in Australia and New Zealand, debuting at Melbourne and scoring a vital 45 in Wellington. His 2019 World Cup selection over Ambati Rayudu stirred controversy, but Shankar made history as the first Indian to take a wicket (Imam-ul-Haq) with his first ball in a World Cup match against Pakistan. An injury ended his campaign early, with Mayank Agarwal replacing him.

Shankar has played 12 ODIs (223 runs, average 46/100 balls; 4 wickets, best 2/15) and 9 T20Is (101 runs, average 25; 5 wickets, best 2/32). His last international match was in June 2019, and he has since focused on regaining form in domestic and IPL cricket.

IPL Career

Shankar’s IPL journey began with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2014, playing one match. He later represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017-19), Delhi Daredevils/Capitals (2018-20), and Gujarat Titans (2022-24), winning the IPL title with Gujarat in 2022. In the IPL 2025 auction, CSK reacquired him for INR 1.20 crore. In 78 IPL matches, he has scored 1,233 runs (average 26.23, 7 half-centuries, highest 69*) with 88 fours and 48 sixes, alongside contributing with the ball.

Personal Life

Shankar married Vaishali Visweswaran, a teacher, on January 27, 2021, following their engagement on August 20, 2020. Their first child was born on October 30, 2021. A vegetarian, Shankar is a Manchester United fan and admires cricketers VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. His net worth, estimated at INR 30 crore (USD 3.5 million) in 2024, includes endorsements with brands like Jio, CEAT, and Nivia Sports.

Achievements

• 2014-15 Ranji Trophy: Two Man of the Match awards for standout performances.
• 2018 Nidahas Trophy: Player of the Match for 2/32 against Sri Lanka.
• 2019 World Cup: First Indian to take a wicket on his first World Cup ball.
• Leadership: Led Tamil Nadu to titles in Vijay Hazare Trophy (2016-17), Deodhar Trophy (2016-17), and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2021-22).
• IPL 2022: Member of Gujarat Titans’ championship team.

Challenges and Controversies

Vijay Shankar 2019 World Cup selection over Rayudu triggered backlash, with Rayudu’s “3D glasses” tweet reflecting public frustration. His Nidahas Trophy final performance drew heavy criticism, impacting his confidence. Injuries, including a 2014 groin issue and a 2019 World Cup injury, have also hindered his progress.

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Vijay Shankar’s career embodies resilience, from his terrace training days to leading Tamil Nadu to titles and making a mark in the IPL and World Cup. Despite controversies and setbacks, his all-round skills and leadership keep him relevant. With a return to CSK in IPL 2025, Shankar aims to rebuild his case for an international comeback, proving his mettle as a dependable all-rounder.