Vijay Shankar is retiring from IPL and domestic cricket to extend his career overseas

Vijay Shankar retired from IPL and domestic cricket to pursue more opportunities overseas. The move comes after he went unsold during the IPL 2026 auction despite registering as an uncapped player.

Shankar failed to impress for CSK last season (Courtesy: Reuters)

Former CSK and India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced that he is quitting IPL and domestic cricket to extend his playing career overseas. Shankar played for four teams in the IPL and appeared in 78 games over 10 seasons.

During this time he scored 1233 runs and picked nine wickets. Shankar also played 77 first-class matches during his domestic career, scoring 4253 and picking 43 wickets. On Friday, May 22, Shankar released a lengthy statement explaining the reasons for his retirement. The all-rounder said he accepted the challenge to play more cricket elsewhere and get more opportunities.

“Cricket is my life. I started playing when I was 10 and 25 years later, I am grateful and blessed to have played at all levels and at the highest level. Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments.”

“I have decided to quit playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.

“I can’t thank you enough for letting me do what I love. I am eternally grateful.”

“Thank you BCCI and Indian cricket team – many learnings, countless memories and various inspirations! Representing the country will be my highest badge of honour. Bowling the last in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and my first wicket First wicket in World Cup 2019 are moments I will cherish forever!

“My IPL teams GT, SRH, CSK and DC – a special thank you! Experiences and lessons from all sides have made me who I am today!” read the statement from Shankar.

In a statement, Shankar also paid tribute to his coaches and family before retiring by telling his fans how he was able to rise above hatred and how cricket taught him everything about life.

“I have faced tremendous hate and negativity. Let me take this opportunity to inform you that I have decided to ignore it and move forward. If I can do it – anyone can do it! Think positive and work hard. Cricket has taught me life. Cricket is my life,” Shankar said. (Credit: Vijay Shankar X)

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was part of CSK last seasonwhere he struggled to hit the bat and was released before the new season.

He entered the auction as an uncapped player after last playing for India in June 2019. But he did not find any takers in the auction.

Shankar also played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India during his international career.

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Published on:

22 May 2026 18:39 IST

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