‘Can’t just sit out and give water’

All-rounder Vijay Shankar, who remained the face of Tamil Nadu side for well over a decade, has finally decided to part ways with his state ahead of the upcoming domestic season. The cricketer has confirmed that he will be playing for Tripura as a professional for the 2025-26 season, following obtainment of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

For Shankar, the call was not easy, since he has represented Tamil Nadu since his teenage days in cricket. He has been associated with TNCA for well over a couple of decades, and made his First-Class debut with the side in 2011. The 34-year-old feels that the decision to move on from Tamil Nadu isn’t the heartiest choice, but a forced decision to prolong his career as a professional cricketer.

“To decide on this was quite tough, because since my u-13 days, I’ve played for around 23 years for Tamil Nadu. And since 2011, I’ve been part of the First-Class team. So, definitely, it was not an easy call. But sometimes, when you’re forced to take that call, you need to move on and look out for opportunities. I think I’ve been playing well. And more importantly, I want to play cricket, that’s it. I can’t go out there and just sit out and give water. It’s quite difficult after playing for so many years,” Shankar was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

For Shankar, clarity is the key

Looking back, Shankar recalled that he had not been a part of the Playing XI for the side on a consistent basis in the last season across tournaments like Ranji, Syed Mushtaq Ali, and the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. The cricketer felt that he would be getting more opportunities in the upcoming season, but a call with the selectors gave him clarity on what the team is looking to build, and as a result, Shankar felt it was best in his interest to move on.

“Last year, I got dropped for the first two Ranji games, and then I made a comeback. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, again, I was dropped for the last two games. So, after that, it was quite tough. But this year, I thought things would be fine since I did well last year. You need some clarity at some point. I was not getting that clarity,” Shankar, who has played 21 international matches for the Indian team, said.

“I never got any secure feeling when it comes to the selectors. So, at one point, I decided I needed to take a call. And I was happy that at least our coach (M. Senthilnathan) came up and told what they (the selectors) were thinking. So, I felt that there was no point staying. And trying to still fight it out to play in this setup was quite difficult,” the Tirunelveli-born explained further.

Shankar is not the only player moving to Tripura, as Andhra’s Hanuma Vihari has also confirmed his decision to play for the side as professional for the upcoming season. However, Mandeep Singh has parted ways with the association after spending one season with Tripura.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: