'Your 3D cricketer': Vijay Shankar retires from domestic cricket and IPL to pursue overseas opportunities

Shankar's selection ahead of Rayudu for 2019 WC drew flak, with Rayudu's post 'Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup' going viral on social media.

Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar announced his retirement from domestic cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL) to "pursue new opportunities" and "play more cricket".

Shankar's selection ahead of Ambatti Rayudu for 2019 World Cup created a lot of eyebrows with Rayudu's post, 'Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup', which was a direct dig at selectors going viral on social media.

Rayudu's social media post was an apparent dig at the then chief selector MSK Prasad who had said that that Shankar was a '3D player' and his presence would help India with all-round skills.

The 35-year-old from Tamil Nadu, who later joined Tripura in domestic cricket ahead of the 2025-2026 season, played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India between 2018 and 2019.

Shankar announced his decision in a social media post with a parting shot saying 'Your 3D Cricketer'.

"Cricket is my life. I started playing when I was 10 and 25 years later, I am grateful and blessed to have played at every level and to the highest level. Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments," he wrote.

"I have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket. Thank you will not suffice for letting me do what I love. Eternally grateful."

"Thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team - many learnings, countless memories and various inspirations! Representing the country will be my highest badge of honour. Bowling the last over at India's 500th ODI at Nagpur and my First ball First wicket at the 2019 world cup are moments I will hold onto forever!," he added.

Shankar played for four IPL teams - Chennai Super Kings (2014 and 2025), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017, 2019-2021), Delhi Capitals (2018) and Gujarat Titans (2022-2024) - and was not a part of any side in the ongoing edition.

The right-handed batter and right-arm seamer played 77 First-Class games, 112 List A matches and 159 T20s overall in his career from his debut in 2012.

Shankar scored 4,253 runs in First-Class cricket at 46.73 with 13 hundreds and 23 fifties as well as 43 wickets, while he garnered 2,790 runs in List A matches at 34.87 with two tons and 15 fifties along with 73 dismissals.

He also made 2,583 runs in T20s and took 38 wickets.

(With inputs from agencies)