Vijay Shankar retires from IPL & domestic cricket — "Faced unreal hate and negativity" after 25-year career

The cricket world is currently immersed in the excitement of the Indian Premier League 2026, with teams and fans fully focused on the final phase of the tournament. However, amid all the celebrations and playoff drama, a sad piece of news has emerged for Indian cricket fans.

Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has officially announced his retirement from IPL and domestic cricket. The 35-year-old represented several IPL franchises during his career and was also an important player for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Vijay Shankar was part of India’s squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup and remained a well-known figure in Indian cricket because of his all-round abilities.

In his retirement statement, Vijay Shankar revealed that he wants to explore new opportunities and continue playing cricket in other formats and leagues around the world, including overseas and legends competitions. Interestingly, he ended his message by referring to himself as “Your 3D Cricketer,” a phrase that became widely associated with him after his selection for the 2019 World Cup, where fans and critics often used the term while discussing his all-round skills.

From IPL star to heartbreak: Why Vijay Shankar finally called it quits on Indian cricket

Vijay Shankar's IPL journey was a decade-long test of perseverance. He entered the league with CSK in 2013, playing just one game the following year before resurfacing in SRH colours in 2017 for four matches. A more consistent run arrived in 2018 with Delhi Capitals, where he contributed 212 runs and a wicket, before returning to SRH for three consecutive seasons across 2019, 2020, and 2021. Beyond the IPL, Shankar had also earned India's trust at the international level — representing the country in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is, and earning a place in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup squad.

The Gujarat Titans chapter brought fresh promise. Shankar was part of their title-winning side in 2022, though he featured in just four games. He more than made up for it the following year, delivering the finest batting performance of his IPL career — 301 runs across ten innings at a strike rate of 160.10 — finally establishing himself as a genuine middle-order match-winner. 

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Across 78 IPL appearances for four franchises, he finished with 1,233 runs and nine wickets, numbers that reflected a career of quiet, consistent contribution. Yet the ending was heartbreaking. A homecoming to CSK in 2025 failed to reignite his form, and an underwhelming season left him without any takers at the IPL 2026 auction. For a cricketer who had waited years for his moment and delivered when it mattered most, going unsold was a cruel and undeserved final chapter.

"Faced Unreal Hate and Negativity" — What Vijay Shankar said in his emotional retirement statement

“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.

The former India all-rounder thanked the BCCI, the Indian team management, and every franchise and domestic side he represented throughout his career. He mentioned teams including the Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and his Tamil Nadu Premier League teams. Shankar also reflected on some of the most memorable moments of his career, including bowling the final over in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and taking a wicket with his very first ball during the 2019 ODI World Cup.

He also expressed gratitude towards coaches, support staff, physios, trainers, media personnel, doctors, friends, and especially his family for supporting him throughout his journey. Speaking about the criticism he received during his career, Shankar said he chose to stay positive and move forward despite the negativity surrounding him.

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“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."

What's next? Vijay Shankar eyes overseas cricket after 78 IPL games and 4 franchises

Even though Vijay Shankar has retired from Indian cricket, he is not done playing just yet. The 35-year-old made it clear in his retirement statement that he wants to continue playing cricket and is now looking at opportunities overseas. After spending more than two decades in the Indian circuit, Shankar is ready for a fresh start — this time, on his own terms.

He won't be the first Indian cricketer to take this route. Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa both retired from domestic cricket and went on to play in the UAE's ILT20, finding a whole new lease of life in the process. The Legends League has also given several former Indian stars a big stage and a good payday. At 35, with a proven IPL record and plenty of experience under his belt, Shankar is well-placed to make the most of these opportunities.

When you look back at everything Vijay Shankar achieved, he deserved a much better send-off than this. A World Cup appearance, 21 international caps, and an IPL season at 32, where he scored 301 runs and proved he still belonged at the top level — that is not the career of someone who should have been forgotten. If overseas cricket gives him the respect and enjoyment that Indian cricket has slowly stopped giving him, then the best chapter of his story may still be ahead.