Tamil Nadu’s preparations for the 2025-26 domestic season have suffered another blow with senior allrounder Vijay Shankar deciding to part ways with the state side. The 34-year-old, who has been with the team for over a decade, has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Search for regular chances
Shankar had featured for TNCA President’s XI in the opening round of the Buchi Babu Tournament against Himachal Pradesh earlier this month. However, he was left out of the next fixture against Maharashtra, which reportedly influenced his decision to move. Sources suggest that the experienced cricketer is looking for consistent playing time across formats, something that has been limited for him in recent seasons.
In the 2024-25 campaign, Shankar missed Tamil Nadu’s opening two Ranji Trophy games and was largely sidelined during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well.
End of a long association
His departure ends a 13-year journey with Tamil Nadu, during which he played a crucial role in the middle order and even led the side to domestic silverware, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Since making his Ranji debut in 2012, he accumulated 3142 runs in 81 innings at an average of 44.25, with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries. He also contributed with the ball, taking 43 wickets with his medium pace.
Shankar’s standout season came in 2014-15 when he scored 577 runs at an impressive average of nearly 58. More recently, in the 2024-25 season, he struck a career-best unbeaten 150 against Chandigarh. He also experimented with offbeat spin variations during the Tamil Nadu Premier League, adding carrom balls and wrong’uns to his repertoire.
Changes within Tamil Nadu
Vijay becomes the second senior cricketer to leave the state in recent times, after B Aparajith moved to Kerala. Tamil Nadu, though, have found a replacement in 18-year-old RS Ambrish, who recently impressed for India Under-19s in England with his all-round skills.
The state side has already been dealing with setbacks as captain R Sai Kishore recovers from a hand injury, while left-arm spinner S Ajith Ram faces a longer rehabilitation spell.
Coaching responsibilities have also shifted hands. Former Ranji Trophy winner M Senthilnathan has stepped in as head coach, with ex-India seamer T Kumaran taking charge of the bowling unit after his coaching stint in the USA.
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