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Known for his gritty performances and unwavering determination,Vijay Shankar has become an integral part of the Tamil Nadu state cricket team as well as the national side. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he has proven himself to be a valuable asset on the field.
Born on January 26, 1991, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Vijay Shankar hails from a family deeply rooted in cricket. His father and brother, Ajay, have also played lower-division cricket for Tamil Nadu. It was on the terrace of their humble home that Shankar honed his skills, transforming it into a makeshift indoor net.
From a young age, Shankar showed great promise and passion for the game. Inspired by his father's love for cricket, he dedicated countless hours to practising and refining his technique. His journey through local tournaments showcased his talent early on and caught the attention of selectors.
Shankar made his first-class debut in 2012 but had to play understudy to a settled middle order initially. However, he seized every opportunity that came his way with both hands. In the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season knockouts, he displayed remarkable consistency scoring 111, 82, 91, and 103 runs respectively at an average of 57.70. These outstanding performances earned him two Man of the Match awards during this period.
His stellar showing in domestic cricket did not go unnoticed as he received a call-up to represent India 'A'. This marked a significant milestone in his career and provided him with further exposure at a higher level.
As an all-rounder, Vijay Shankar has made significant contributions in all formats of the game. In his limited appearances in Test matches, he has showcased his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. His ODI career has been marked by consistent performances with both bat and ball.
With a sound technique and a penchant for driving on the up, Shankar is particularly strong off the pads. He strives to be more than just a batsman who can bowl part-time, aiming to become a genuine all-rounder. While power-hitting may not be his forte, his ability to anchor innings and play calculated strokes adds great value to the team.
Shankar's stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also seen him showcase his skills on the big stage. Having represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and most recently Gujarat Titans, he has gained exposure alongside some of the best players in the world.
Vijay Shankar's international career reached new heights when he was selected for India's limited-overs series against Australia and New Zealand as a replacement for Hardik Pandya. This opportunity allowed him to prove his mettle on an international platform.
In 2019, Shankar found himself donning the blue jersey at the prestigious ICC Cricket World Cup. He made an instant impact by taking a wicket with his first ball in the tournament. However, an unfortunate injury forced him out of India's final two matches.
Throughout his career, Shankar has shown resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks. His dedication and hard work have earned him accolades such as leading Tamil Nadu to title triumphs in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Deodhar Trophy during the 2016-17 season. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy.
Vijay Shankar's journey as a cricketer is a testament to his resilience, determination, and ability to adapt. While injuries may have disrupted his progress at times, he continues to strive for excellence. As he looks ahead, fans around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing more memorable performances from this talented all-rounder.
Vijay Shankar's career has been marked by his performances in major tournaments and series, where he has showcased his skills on the big stage. One of the highlights of his career was his inclusion in the Indian squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Although he had a short stint due to injury, Shankar made an impact with his all-round abilities.
In the World Cup, Shankar announced his arrival with a bang by taking a wicket with his very first ball against Pakistan. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset to the team. He played crucial roles in several matches, including a crucial partnership with MS Dhoni against Afghanistan, where they rescued India from a precarious situation.
Besides the World Cup, Shankar has also represented India in other ICC tournaments such as the Champions Trophy and World T20. While he may not have had significant contributions in these tournaments, it is worth noting that representing your country in such prestigious events speaks volumes about one's talent and potential.
Shankar has also impressed in domestic tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). He started his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings in 2014 before moving on to Sunrisers Hyderabad and then Delhi Capitals. The IPL provided him with an opportunity to share the dressing room with some of the best players from around the world and learn from their experiences.
In terms of individual performances, Shankar has had some memorable moments in the IPL. One such instance was when he scored an unbeaten half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. This knock showcased his ability to handle pressure situations and play match-winning innings.
Vijay Shankar is a versatile cricketer who fulfils two important roles in the team – a middle-order batsman and a medium-pace bowler. As a batsman, he is known for his elegant strokeplay and impeccable timing. His strength lies in playing shots off the pads and driving on the up, which makes him a treat to watch when he is in full flow.
Shankar's technique is solid, and he has shown remarkable consistency in his performances over the years.
While Shankar may not possess the brute power that some other players have, he makes up for it with his ability to anchor innings and rotate the strike effectively. He understands the importance of building partnerships and adapting to various match situations. His tactical awareness allows him to play different roles depending on the team's requirements.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Shankar's overall skill set makes him an asset to any team he represents. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides flexibility to the team's strategy and allows them to optimize their resources accordingly.
Off the field, Vijay Shankar comes across as a calm and composed individual who lets his performances do the talking. Despite facing several disruptions due to injuries throughout his career, he has managed to carve out a niche for himself in Tamil Nadu's middle order.
Shankar is known for his dedication and hard work, which have helped him overcome setbacks and make a strong comeback. His commitment to the game is evident in the way he constantly strives to improve his skills and contribute to the team's success.
While Shankar may not be in the limelight as much as some of his teammates, he has garnered respect from his peers for his professionalism and team-first attitude. He leads by example on and off the field, which makes him a valuable asset in any dressing room.
Overall, Vijay Shankar's journey as a cricketer has been characterized by hard work, determination, and resilience. His ability to contribute both as a batsman and bowler makes him an asset to any team he represents. With age on his side, there is no doubt that Vijay Shankar has a bright future ahead of him in Indian cricket.
Vijay Shankar's impact on Indian cricket cannot be understated. While he may not have been a household name like some of his teammates, Shankar has left an indelible mark on the game. His versatility as a middle-order batsman and medium-pace bowler provided valuable balance to the team, earning him a place in the national squad.
One aspect of Shankar's game that stood out was his ability to play shots off his pads. His elegant strokeplay through the leg side often drew comparisons to former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. Shankar had a fondness for driving on the up, showcasing impeccable timing and placement. Although he lacked the power-hitting prowess that is often valued in modern cricket, his classical technique added elegance to his performances.
In terms of records and achievements, Vijay Shankar enjoyed success at both domestic and international levels. He led Tamil Nadu to title triumphs in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy and Deodhar Trophy, showcasing strong leadership qualities along with impressive performances with bat and ball.
While injuries did disrupt Shankar's career at times, he always managed to bounce back stronger. His selection for the 2019 Cricket World Cup was a testament to his resilience and determination. Though he was unfortunate to be ruled out of India's final two matches in the tournament due to injury, he had already made an impact by taking a wicket with his first ball.
Vijay Shankar's contributions to Indian cricket have been recognized with several awards and accolades. His standout performances in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy earned him two Man of the Match awards in the knockout stage. Additionally, he was named the leading wicket-taker in the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy.
Shankar's leadership skills were also acknowledged as he successfully captained Tamil Nadu to title victories in domestic tournaments. His ability to lead by example and make crucial tactical decisions on the field made him a respected figure within the team.
In terms of honorary positions, Shankar has not yet been appointed to any major cricket organizations. However, his consistent performance and dedication to the game make him a strong candidate for such roles in the future.
Vijay Shankar's journey as a cricketer has been one of perseverance, resilience, and determination. From honing his skills on his terrace to representing India on the international stage, he has overcome various challenges along the way.
Shankar's classical technique and versatility as a middle-order batsman and medium-pace bowler have made him an invaluable asset for both Tamil Nadu and India. While he may lack power-hitting abilities, his elegant strokeplay off his pads has drawn comparisons to legendary cricketers like Mohammad Azharuddin.
Despite facing injuries and setbacks throughout his career, Shankar has always managed to bounce back stronger. His success at domestic tournaments, leadership qualities, and recognition as a dependable all-rounder has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
As Vijay Shankar continues to evolve as a cricketer, it is evident that he possesses the immense potential to achieve even greater heights in his career. With his unwavering dedication and commitment to improvement, he will undoubtedly remain an important figure in Indian cricket for years to come.
FAQs
What is Vijay Shankar's current age?
Vijay Shankar was born on January 26, 1991, making him 31 years old.
Does Vijay Shankar have a wife?
Yes, Vijay Shankar got engaged to Vaishali Visweswaran on August 20, 2020, and they tied the knot on January 27, 2021.
Has Vijay Shankar scored any centuries in his career?
While Vijay Shankar has not yet scored a century in international cricket, he has played several valuable innings for Tamil Nadu.
What are Vijay Shankar's notable achievements in international cricket?
Vijay Shankar has had some notable achievements in international cricket. One of his significant moments was during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he represented India. He played a crucial innings of 46 runs against Pakistan, helping India win the match. He has also contributed with both bat and ball in various matches.
Does Vijay Shankar have any children?
Yes, Vijay Shankar and his wife Vaishali welcomed their first child on October 30, 2021.
