Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, born in 1991, represents the national team in limited-overs formats with domestic and IPL experience.
Vijay Shankar was born in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on January 26, 1991, and represents India as a versatile all-rounder in international cricket. Raised in a cricket-oriented household, he inherited the sport from his father, a club-level cricketer who also contributed to district cricket administration. Shankar began competing in domestic tournaments at an early age before advancing to the IPL, where his performances helped him secure a spot in the Indian team. His consistent skills have earned him global recognition and cemented his role in blue jersey. Vijay Shankar practices Hinduism and belongs to the Brahmin caste. He observes Hindu customs and rituals, which reinforce his cultural identity. His family nurtured both his sporting discipline and spiritual values, shaping him into the cricketer he is today. The cricketer hails from a family passionate about cricket that actively supported his ambitions. Both his parents stood by him throughout his journey, installing private practice facilities at home for him and his brother. His elder sibling, Ajay Shankar, also played league and lower-division cricket in Tamil Nadu, sharing training sessions and contributing to each other’s growth. Vijay Shankar grew up with only his brother and no sisters. His father, H. Shankar, was a former cricketer who participated in Chennai club cricket and later managed district-level cricket operations. He converted the family terrace into a full-fledged cricket training area with nets, floodlights, and a bowling machine, enabling both sons to refine their skills. His mother, Rama Shankar, managed the household and provided emotional backing, instilling strong character traits essential for an athlete’s success. Vijay Shankar remains unmarried until meeting Vaishali Visweswaran through an arranged matchmaking process. The couple developed mutual affection after marriage and now collaborate in all life pursuits. Vaishali Visweswaran works as a part-time schoolteacher in Chennai. They exchanged vows on January 27, 2021, following an engagement in August 2020, with their wedding scaled down to 40 guests due to COVID-19 protocols. The pair welcomed a child on October 30, 2021. Vijay Shankar’s international debut occurred in a T20I match against Sri Lanka on March 6, 2018. The following year, he made his ODI debut against Australia on January 18, 2019. Across 12 ODIs, he has amassed 223 runs at a strike rate of 90.65. In 9 T20Is, he has scored 101 runs at a strike rate of 138.35. He was selected for India’s squad in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and claimed a wicket on the very first ball of his World Cup debut. Vijay Shankar is a seasoned performer in both international cricket and the IPL. During the 2014 Ranji Trophy, his standout performances earned him two Man of the Match titles. He also led the Tamil Nadu domestic side in the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy competitions. In 2018, the ICC named him among eight players to watch ahead of the IPL season. He was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad when they won the IPL in 2018 and Gujarat Titans when they claimed the title in 2023. As an all-rounder for India, Vijay Shankar bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace. Age and Birth Details Vijay Shankar was born on January 26, 1991, making him 34 years old in the current year, 2026. He stands at six feet in height. Marital Status and Spouse Vijay Shankar is married to Vaishali Visweswaran, a part-time schoolteacher based in Chennai. The couple tied the knot in January 2021. Centuries in International Cricket Vijay Shankar has not recorded any centuries in international matches. Net Worth and Earnings Vijay Shankar’s estimated net worth falls between $2.5 million and $3 million, equivalent to roughly ₹20 to 24 crores. Jersey Number and Representation Vijay Shankar wears jersey number 59 when representing India across all limited-overs formats. Notable Career Highlights Vijay Shankar became the first Indian cricketer to take a wicket on the opening ball of his World Cup debut. All visuals included are for editorial use only. Rights are reserved with Getty/Source.