365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, August 31, 2025:Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar, a member of the 2019 World Cup squad, has decided to part ways with Tamil Nadu and join Tripura for the upcoming domestic season. The move comes after he secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) .
At 34, Shankar voiced his disappointment at being sidelined despite consistent performances. “I want to play cricket,” he told The Hindu. “I can’t just sit out and give water. It’s very difficult after playing for so many years.”.
The all-rounder revealed that being excluded from key matches, including those for the TNCA President’s XI in the Buchi Babu Invitational, only deepened his frustration.
Despite producing strong displays highlighted by a career-best unbeaten 150 against Chandigarh in last season’s Ranji Trophy Shankar said he never felt assured of his place in the side. Conversations with then-coach M. Senthilnathan ultimately convinced him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Shankar is not the only high-profile cricketer making the move to Tripura this season. Hanuma Vihari, too, has joined the state team after obtaining an NOC from the Andhra Cricket Association.