All-rounder Vijay Shankar, known as 3D in Indian cricket, will be seen playing in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in Sri Lanka. Vijay Shankar has been signed by ‘Candy Royals’ in LPL 2026. Vijay Shankar is all set to become the only Indian player to play in LPL this season. All the franchises have completed their teams for the sixth season of the tournament.

Let us tell you that Lanka Premier League 2026 will be organized between 17th July to 8th August. This season, SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Caps, Dambulla Sixers and Galle Gallants will face each other in a double round-robin format, after which the playoff matches will be played. In this year’s draft, all five franchises have strengthened their squads with a mix of well-known international stars, emerging foreign talent and top Sri Lankan cricketers, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in the history of the league.

The biggest topic of discussion for Indian cricket fans will be the participation of Vijay Shankar, who represented India in the World Cup. This experienced all-rounder has joined the strong team of Kandy Royals, which includes players like Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews. Royals have made their team even stronger by including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara through the draft. This draft of players has aroused a lot of interest at the international level. More than 650 foreign cricketers from 21 countries had registered themselves for selection.

Samantha Dodanwella, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, said, “The quality of players selected by the franchises through the draft reflects the continued growth of the Lanka Premier League and its increasing competitiveness. All the teams will have an excellent combination of international experience, emerging foreign talent and some of the best cricketers from Sri Lanka. This balance between all 5 teams promises to be a very exciting tournament and a memorable experience for the fans.”

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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.”

pic.twitter.com/d7yxU1L70s

— 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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