CSK veteran announces shocking retirement [Source: AFP]CSK have crashed out of the IPL 2026 playoffs race, and if that was not enough for a heartbreak, one of their ex-star has announced his retirement, and it comes as a shocker. Over the years, the Super Kings franchise has produced some quality players, and while some of them have become legends, others have crumbled under pressure.However, the player who took the retirement can be considered an underrated gem, who never really got an opportunity to showcase his worth, and was left out after a barren run.Vijay Shankar announces IPL and domestic retirementIn the latest development, ex-CSK and India star Vijay Shankar has announced his IPL and domestic cricket retirement a day after the franchise got knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoffs. The veteran player featured in seven IPL games for the Super Kings franchise before getting released.In his retirement post, the Tamil Nadu legend stated that he has retired from IPL and domestic cricket in order to pursue the game somewhere else (overseas ventures).He thanked all his IPL franchises, GT, SRH, CSK, and DC, and also posted a heartfelt message for the Indian cricket team, and the BCCI.Vijay Shankar's emotional retirement postThe former Indian cricketer announced his retirement via a social media post, and here is an excerpt from it."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.""Have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.Thank you will not suffice for letting me do what I love. Eternally grateful.Vijay Shankar @vijayshankar260 🙏🏻 May 22, 2026, 6:06 PM Thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team - many learnings, countless memories and various inspirations. Representing the country will be my highest badge of honour. Bowling the last over at India's 500th ODI at Nagpur and my First ball First wicket at the 2019 world cup are moments I will hold onto forever."Also Read: CSK Captaincy Candidates If Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Removed After IPL 2026A glance at Vijay Shankar's domestic and international careerHe may not have made it big at the international level, but Vijay Shankar had a good enough career and a World Cup 2019 trip under his belt. He was a surprise call-up during India’s 2019 World Cup journey, and he made an immediate impact by taking a wicket on his first ball vs Pakistan.He featured in 21 matches for India (12 ODIs, 9 T20Is). As a batter, he racked up 223, and 101 runs, respectively, and with the ball, he scalped 9 combined wickets in both formats.However, it was in domestic cricket where he truly shone. 4253 runs in 77 first-class matches, to go along with 43 wickets under his belt. He also accumulated 2790 runs in List-A cricket, and 2583 runs in T20 cricket.Vijay Shankar's IPL journey in numbersThe Indian all-rounder represented four teams in the IPL (Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings).Throughout his IPL career, the player featured in 78 games, and slammed 1233 runs, with a strike rate of 129.79. He last played in the IPL in 2025 for CSK, and registered 118 runs, with a strike rate of 129 before getting released.Also Read: Ireland Name Squad For Historic Test Vs New Zealand
