Vijay Shankar Retirement: Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar announced his retirement midway through IPL 2026. He truly surprised everyone with his sudden decision.

Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar surprised everyone by announcing his retirement on Friday (May 22) amid the IPL 2026. He shared the news on social media. 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 to have played cricket at every level, including the highest level."

He retired to pursue new opportunities.

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

No buyer was found in IPL 2026

The Indian all-rounder went unsold for the current IPL season. He played for the Chennai Super Kings in the last IPL, the 2025 edition. He made his IPL debut for Chennai in 2014.

Played white ball cricket for Team India

Shankar played white-ball cricket for India. He appeared in 12 ODIs and nine T20 Internationals. He scored 223 runs and took four wickets in ODIs. In T20Is, Shankar scored 101 runs and took five wickets.

Thank you to everyone

Vijay further thanked everyone in his post and wrote, "Thankful to the BCCI and the Indian cricket team - so many learnings, countless memories and so much inspiration! Representing the country will always be a matter of great pride. Bowling the last over in Team India's 500th ODI in Nagpur and taking the first wicket off my first ball in the 2019 World Cup are moments I will cherish forever."

Further, regarding the IPL and domestic cricket boards, 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.

PC: ABPnews