Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar: Cricketer Profile and IPL Career

Introduction:

Vijay Shankar is an Indian cricketer who represents the country in international matches as an all-rounder. He was born on January 26, 1991, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. Shankar is a right-handed batsman and a medium-pace bowler. He has gained recognition for his versatile skills and has made notable contributions to the Indian cricket team. Besides his international career, Shankar has also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for various franchises. In this article, we will explore Vijay Shankar's journey, his achievements, and his IPL career in detail.

Domestic Career:

Vijay Shankar began his domestic cricket career playing for Tamil Nadu in 2012. He quickly caught the attention of selectors with his performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shankar's consistent performances earned him a spot in the India A team, where he showcased his potential as a valuable all-rounder.

International Career:

Shankar made his international debut for India in a T20I against Sri Lanka in March 2018. He then went on to make his One Day International (ODI) debut against the same opponent later that month. Known for his ability to stabilize the middle order and contribute with both bat and ball, Shankar made a promising start to his international career. One of his notable performances came in a Nidahas Trophy match against Bangladesh, where he scored a crucial unbeaten 17 off 19 balls to guide India to victory.

IPL Career:

Vijay Shankar's IPL journey began in 2014 when he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Although he did not get many opportunities to showcase his skills that season, Shankar gained valuable experience playing alongside some of the best cricketers in the world. The following year, he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but once again struggled to cement his place in the playing XI.

Shankar's breakthrough in the IPL came in 2018 when he was picked up by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for INR 3.2 crores (approx. $475,000 USD). He made an instant impact in the tournament and played some crucial innings for his team. One of his most memorable performances came against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he scored a match-winning 36 off just 31 balls.

The 2019 IPL season proved to be a turning point for Shankar's career. He was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and his consistent performances with both bat and ball earned him accolades. Shankar showcased his ability to hit big shots and played several crucial innings during the tournament. His all-round skills and ability to handle pressure situations made him a valuable asset for the Sunrisers.

Unfortunately, Shankar suffered an injury during the 2020 IPL season, which ruled him out of the tournament. Despite the setback, he remained a sought-after player in the league and was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2021 season. However, he struggled to make a significant impact that season and faced criticism for his performances.

Conclusion:

Vijay Shankar has emerged as a promising all-rounder in Indian cricket. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset to any team. While his international career has had its ups and downs, Shankar has shown great potential and resilience. In the IPL, he has had some memorable performances, particularly during his time with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. As he continues to refine his skills and gain more experience.