All-rounder Vijay Shankar has joined with Tripura ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season, ending his lengthy and fruitful affiliation with Tamil Nadu cricket. The 34-year-old will join former India batsman Hanuma Vihari in bolstering Tripura’s campaign across formats. He has worn the India shirt in 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is.
After more than ten years as a vital part of Tamil Nadu’s middle order, Vijay Shankar is now prepared to help Tripura. He has contributed significantly to the state’s success since making his debut in the 2011–12 season, helping Tamil Nadu win two one-day crowns in 2016–17 and a Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy in 2021–22.
“The Tripura Cricket Association has not yet confirmed that I have received the NOC from the TNCA. According to Cricbuzz, Vijay Shankar stated, “Once I receive the official approval letter from Tripura, I will be able to formally announce my switch.”
He has significantly impacted TN cricket: Senthilnathan, M.
His departure comes after Hanuma Vihari of Andhra, who recently declared his intention to relocate to Tripura and is anticipated to lead the team in all three formats. The pair is anticipated to contribute a blend of leadership and expertise that may result in a shift for Tripura, a squad hoping to maintain a high level of performance in the top domestic division.
In 70 first-class games, including India A, Vijay Shankar has amassed 3,702 runs at an average of 45.14 and 11 hundreds.
He is a reliable all-rounder in the domestic circuit, having taken 43 wickets as a medium-pacer. He amassed 2 centuries and 476 runs at an average of 52.88 in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy.
Notably, he played for India A and then the national squad following a good 2014–15 campaign. In addition to being a member of India’s 2019 World Cup team, he continued to be a prominent figure in the IPL, playing for the Chennai Super Kings in 2025. Officials from the Tripura Cricket Association verified Shankar’s signing.
“Everyone appreciates the tremendous contributions he has made to TN cricket. We wish him well and will miss him now that he has made the decision to leave the State squad. We also have a strong reservoir of talent. Some of the younger players can now take advantage of this and contribute positively to the team,” head coach M. Senthilnathan stated.
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