Vijay Shankar Profile, Career & Stats

Even if Vijay Shankar becomes the greatest all-rounder of all time, he will be remembered for his surprising national call-up for the 2019 World Cup at the expense of a much experienced Ambati Rayudu. Shankar was picked as the No. 4 batsman in the tournament, and the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad credited his three-dimensional abilities behind the decision. 

The decision didn’t go down too well with critics and experts as they lashed out at the team management for taking a surprising decision. Relatively low returns for Shankar didn’t help his cause, and eventually, he was ruled out of the latter part of the tournament after sustaining an injury. 

Despite the controversy surrounding his selection in the World Cup, Vijay Shankar is an impressive all-around player. He has been a consistent performer for Tamil Nadu ever since making his first-class debut back in 2012. A late bloomer as per Indian standards, Shankar made his international debut in a T20I match against Sri Lanka in 2018. 

It was in the ODI series in New Zealand ahead of the 2019 World Cup that Shankar first made the headlines with his effortless hitting and dribbly dobby medium pace. 

Despite Rayudu being the No. 4 for a year heading to the World Cup, Shankar was picked as the No. 4 owing to his all-round abilities. Shankar made a sensational World Cup debut when he dismissed Imam ul Haq in his very first delivery of the competition. However, his joy was short-lived as a string of low scores and wicketless performances followed. 

He has been in and around the Indian selection radar, but with the abundance of talent in the domestic circuit, it will be tough for him to again make a comeback in the national foray. Shankar has the ability to play different moulds. He has a strong technique and can also smash the long ball. 

After his first-class debut in 2013, it took him some time to establish himself in the circuit. However, by 2015, he became one of the most consistent performers for Tamil Nadu. Shankar had a sensational time with the bat in the Ranji Trophy 2015-16 season, amassing 577 runs at an average of 57. 

It included two centuries and two half-centuries in the knockout stage. Following an impressive season, Shankar was awarded an India A call-up. Shankar was resolute in defence and looked in good touch against the likes of Sean Abbott, Gurinder Sandhu, Steve O’Keefe, and Andrew Fekete. He yet again proved his all-round skills against South Africa A. 

Unlike most of the young kids in India, Shankar started off cricket in his late teens. He sharpened his cricketing skills on his terrace, which later turned into a make-shift indoor net where he practised with his father and brother, who had earlier played lower-division cricket in Tamil Nadu. 

Starting his career as a part-time off-spinner, Shankar turned to medium pace owing to a spin-heavy Tamil Nadu side. He eventually made his first-class debut at age 21 and made a 63 in his debut. Shankar was bought by the Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 IPL. However, he warmed the benches for the majority of the tournament and was subsequently acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.  

After being sidelined for almost 2 years, Shankar finally earned his spot in the playing XI in 2018, where he proved to be a heavy hitter lower down the order. He played a total of 35 matches in the last three seasons for the Men in Orange, and although his bowling has been inconsistent, Shankar’s ability to clear the ropes effortlessly has earned him a place in the Sunrisers’ squad. 

In the 2021 season, Shankar's campaign resembled a ship navigating stormy seas donning the SRH jersey. Over seven matches, he amassed 58 runs reflecting an average of 11.60 and a strike rate of 111.53. With the ball, he claimed 3 wickets across 11 overs, averaging 33.33 with an economy rate of 9.09. These statistics underscore a season where injuries and team dynamics limited his impact, akin to a caged tiger unable to unleash its full prowess.

The 2022 season saw Shankar continuing with SRH, but his presence was more like a whisper in the wind. Featuring in just four matches, he scored a mere 19 runs, averaging 4.75 with a strike rate of 54.29, his highest being 13. His bowling contributions were minimal, delivering only 1.3 overs without taking any wickets. This season mirrored a dormant volcano, with its potential lying beneath the surface, waiting for an eruption that never came.

The 2023 season marked a renaissance for Shankar as he transitioned to the Gujarat Titans. Over 14 matches, he accumulated 301 runs, averaging 37.63 with a striking rate of 160.11, including three half-centuries. A standout performance was his explosive 63* off 24 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he showcased a strike rate of 262.50, adorned with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Notably, he did not bowl during this season, focusing entirely on his batting. This period was akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, as Shankar reinvented himself, silencing critics and reaffirming his prowess on the grand stage.

In the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the all-rounder captained Tamil Nadu to their third title, leading from the front with pivotal performances. Over six matches, he amassed 199 runs at an impressive average of over 60. In the semi-final against Hyderabad, Shankar's unbeaten 43 off 40 balls anchored the chase, guiding Tamil Nadu to an eight-wicket victory. His leadership and all-round contributions were instrumental in Tamil Nadu's successful campaign.

In the 2024-25 season, he delivered a standout performance against Chhattisgarh scoring an unbeaten 106 runs in the second innings. This crucial century helped Tamil Nadu erase a significant first-innings deficit and secure a draw.

Post-March 2021, Shankar's presence in international cricket has been minimal. His last appearance for India dates back to 2019, and since then, he has not been a regular feature in the national setup.

(As of March 2025)