Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar surprised everyone by announcing his retirement on Friday (May 22) amid IPL 2026. He gave information about his retirement through social media. While sharing a post, he wrote, “Cricket is my life. I started playing cricket at the age of 10 and after 25 years, I am grateful that I have played cricket at every level and at the highest level.”

Retired to explore new opportunities

Shankar further wrote, “Representing the country will be one of my proudest and happiest moments. I have decided to retire from domestic cricket and IPL to explore new opportunities and play more cricket.”

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— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) May 22, 2026

Buyer was not found in IPL 2026

The Indian all-rounder did not find any buyer for the current IPL season. In the last IPL i.e. 2025, he was seen playing for Chennai Super Kings. He made his IPL debut in 2014 while playing for Chennai.

Played white ball cricket for Team India

Shankar played white ball cricket for India. He got a chance to play 12 ODI and 9 T20 International matches. Scored 223 runs and took 4 wickets in ODI. In T20, Shankar scored 101 runs and took 5 wickets in his bag.

thanked everyone

Vijay further thanked everyone in his post and wrote, “I am thankful to BCCI and the Indian cricket team – got a lot of lessons, countless memories and a lot of inspiration! Representing the country will be the most proud thing. Bowling the last over in Team India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and taking the first wicket on my first ball in the 2019 World Cup are moments for me which I will always keep with me.”

Further regarding IPL and domestic cricket board, he wrote, “Special thanks to my IPL teams – Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association – Under-13, 15, 17, 19, 22, 25 and senior teams – I have spent most of my life here.

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