Chennai:Former India cricketer has signed up for Kandy Royals for the upcoming Lanka Premier League. The 35-year-old had announced his retirement from India cricket just last week and has already found a new destination in the franchise circuit. Now his inclusion will also be the first time a former India international will feature in the Lanka league.
The franchise confirmed development with an announcement on social media revealing Shankar with an animated promotional clip before the tournament. The league’s post hinted at a new chapter for the cricketer.
You saw him in the heat of battle... but never like this. Another stage. Same cool fire. The social media post said: "Now with Kandy Royals".
Vijay Shankar: Indian cricket career and retirementMeanwhile, Shankar announced his retirement from a career which saw him play for several franchises and India in white-ball formats. Stepping away from domestic and international cricket, he has made it clear he still intends to be involved in the game through other opportunities.
Since making his debut against Sri Lanka in 2018, the all-rounder has featured in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India. His final match for the national side came during the 2019 ODI World Cup against the West Indies. 324 runs and nine wickets while with India in India.
A highlight of his international career came during the World Cup match against Pakistan when he returned figures of 2/22. Another landmark moment arrived in Nagpur, where he delivered the final over in India’s 500th ODI appearance. This is also something Shankar mentioned in his farewell letter.
In terms of IPL, Shankar played for several franchises and scored 1233 runs and took nine wickets. His last appearance in the competition came in 2025, for Chennai Super Kings. He also signed for the 2026 season but was ultimately unsold and no franchise even reached out to him for a replacement signing.
“Cricket is my life. I started playing at 10 years old and 25 years later I am grateful and blessed to have played at all levels and to the highest level. “Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments,” said Shankar’s retirement letter.
Shankar also acknowledged the BCCI, the Indian team, and the domestic and IPL sides he represented throughout his career, including Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
Shankar also thanked the BCCI, the Indian team and all the domestic and IPL teams he played for during his playing career like Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.