India, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura all-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket. In a long post on social media, he said he wanted to pursue new opportunities and ‘play more cricket’. The former international ended the statement by calling himself ‘Your 3D Cricketer’ in an ode to the name used to troll him after he was selected for the 2019 men’s ODI World Cup for his all-round skills.
Shankar played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is overall for India, making his debut against Sri Lanka in 2018 and playing his last in 2019, against the West Indies at the World Cup. He scored 324 runs and picked up nine wickets, including a memorable 2/22 against Pakistan at the marquee tournament. In the IPL, he scored 1233 runs and took nine wickets, last playing for his home side, Chennai Super Kings, in 2025.
“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 said.
Shankar thanked the BCCI, the Indian team, and every side he represented in his career, including the Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK, Delhi Capitals, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and his Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and league teams. He fondly recalled special moments like bowling the final over in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and taking a wicket with his very first ball in the 2019 World Cup.
He also expressed gratitude to coaches, support staff, physios, trainers, media personnel, doctors, friends, and especially his family for standing by him through every phase of his journey. Addressing the criticism and negativity he faced, Vijay said he chose to ignore it and move forward, encouraging others to stay positive and keep working hard.
“Lastly, my family and friends — words won’t do justice but thanks to them for sticking with me through literally thick and thin. 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 said.
“Cricket has taught me life. Cricket is my life,” he signed off, calling himself forever grateful and blessed as “Your 3D cricketer, Vijay Shankar.”
