Vijay Shankar, an exceptional middle-order batsman and a medium-paced bowler, hails from India and has been making waves in the cricketing world. Born on January 26, 1991, Shankar has emerged as one of the key members of Tamil Nadu’s cricket team and has shown tremendous potential since his debut in 2014.
Shankar’s batting skills are a sight to behold, particularly his ability to dominate attacks with his remarkable stroke play. Known for his strong off-side game and elegant drives, he has proven to be a reliable run-getter for his team. In the 2014-15 season, Shankar showcased his brilliance by scoring match-winning centuries in the Ranji Trophy knockouts, hitting consecutive scores of 111, 82, 91, and 103. With a season aggregate of 577 runs at an impressive average of 57.70, Shankar played a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s success that year.
Recognizing his exceptional talent, Shankar received a call-up to the India A team and immediately made his mark by registering an unbeaten half-century on debut against a formidable Australia A attack. His impressive performances against South Africa A further reinforced his aspiration to become a genuine all-rounder, adding to his value as a versatile cricketer.
Shankar’s journey in cricket began in his early years, practicing on his terrace which served as a makeshift indoor net. He honed his skills alongside his father and elder brother Ajay, who himself had played lower-division cricket in Tamil Nadu. Initially, Shankar bowled offspin, but he made a strategic decision to switch to medium-pace to increase his chances of making it into a spin-heavy Tamil Nadu side.
At the age of 21, Shankar made his debut in first-class cricket against Vidarbha in Nagpur. Displaying his immense talent and determination, he showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten knock of 63 and also impressed with his bowling, taking two crucial wickets. Initially playing as an understudy to an established middle-order, Shankar had to bide his time before his breakthrough season in 2014-15 finally arrived, bringing him the recognition he truly deserved.
Despite limited opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having played merely a solitary game for the Chennai Super Kings over three seasons, Shankar’s potential did not go unnoticed. In the 2016 IPL auction, he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which provided him with a fresh platform to display his skills on a grand stage.
Vijay Shankar’s journey in cricket has been a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him an invaluable asset to his teams. With his eyes set on achieving new heights, Shankar continues to impress cricket enthusiasts and remains a promising talent in Indian cricket.
