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Days after deciding to leave his domestic cricket side Tamil Nadu for Tripura ahead of 2025-26 season, Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar recently opened up on his decision. The batting all-rounder, who has been with his home side Tamil Nadu since 2012, seemed visibly frustrated while experiencing his last few years where he has lacked clarity on his role and has been warming benches.
The 34-year-old, who has received his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and is waiting for a formal letter from the Tripura Cricket Association, revealed how he was being dropped from the side on multiple occasions despite consistent performances, which forced him to take this call in order to revive his cricketing career.
I was not getting that clarity…: Vijay Shankar on Tamil Nadu exit ahead of 2025-26 season
Speaking with The Hindu, Vijay Shankar said, “Sometimes, when you’re forced to take that call, you need to move on and look out for opportunities. I think I’ve been playing well. And more importantly, I want to play cricket, that’s it. I can’t go out there and just sit out and give water. It’s quite difficult after playing for so many years.”
He also expressed frustration on being dropped despite consistent performances, adding, “Last year, I got dropped for the first two Ranji games, and then I made a comeback. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, again, I was dropped for the last two games. So, after that, it was quite tough. You need some clarity at some point. I was not getting that clarity.”
It is to be noted that recently, Viajy Shankar was left out of TNCA’s President XI for the last two of three group-stage matches in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. Speaking of the 34-year-old performance, Vijay Shankar has scored 3142 runs in 81 Ranji innings at an average of 44.25. In the 2024-25 Ranji season, he had a career best of 150* off 171 balls during Tamil Nadu’s 209-run win.
