Vijay Shankar, a right-handed all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, marks his presence in the Indian cricket team with strong domestic and IPL performances. Currently aged 34, he continues to contribute as a versatile player.
Born in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on January 26, 1991, Vijay Shankar plays as an all-rounder for the Indian cricket team. Hailing from a cricket-inclined family, his father was a club-level cricketer, which sparked his early interest in the sport. Shankar began his domestic cricket journey at a young age before moving to the IPL to sharpen his skills further. His exceptional talent has earned him global recognition and a permanent spot in the Indian squad. Shankar identifies with the Hindu faith and belongs to the Brahmin caste. He actively follows Hindu traditions and rituals, which are deeply rooted in his upbringing. His family instilled a strong sense of discipline and devotion, shaping both his personal life and professional approach to cricket. The cricketer comes from a family deeply passionate about cricket, providing unwavering support for his career. His parents backed his dreams wholeheartedly, setting up home practice facilities, including nets and equipment, for him and his brother. His elder brother, Ajay Shankar, also played league-level cricket and was his constant companion during practice sessions. Together, they form a close-knit and supportive family. Vijay Shankar’s father, H. Shankar, was a former cricketer who participated in Chennai’s club cricket and contributed to district cricket administration. He transformed his home’s terrace into a fully equipped cricket training area, installing nets, lighting, and a bowling machine for his sons’ practice. His mother, Rama Shankar, was a homemaker who played a pivotal role in his cricketing journey. She offered emotional strength and instilled values crucial for an athlete’s growth. His elder brother, Ajay Shankar, was a cricketer who competed in lower-division and league matches in Tamil Nadu. The two brothers practiced together and were instrumental in each other’s development. No information is available about Vijay Shankar’s sister, suggesting he has no siblings other than his brother. He was raised alongside his only elder brother. Despite maintaining a private life, Vijay Shankar entered into an arranged marriage with Vaishali Visweswaran. Over time, their bond deepened into love, and they now support each other in all aspects of life. Vaishali Visweswaran, Vijay Shankar’s wife, works as a part-time school teacher in Chennai. The couple became engaged in August 2020 and married on January 27, 2021, following COVID-19 safety measures with only 40 guests in attendance. They welcomed their first child together on October 30, 2021. Vijay Shankar made his international debut in T20Is on March 6, 2018, against Sri Lanka. The following year, he entered ODI cricket on January 18, 2019, playing against Australia. Shankar has played 12 ODIs, scoring 223 runs at a strike rate of 90.65, and 9 T20Is, accumulating 101 runs at a strike rate of 138.35. He was part of India’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he took a wicket with his very first delivery in his debut World Cup match. A seasoned player, Vijay Shankar has achieved significant milestones in both international and IPL cricket. His standout performances in the 2014 Ranji Trophy earned him two Man of the Match awards. He also led the Tamil Nadu domestic team as captain during the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy seasons. The ICC named him one of the "eight players to watch" ahead of the IPL in 2018. Shankar was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team that won the IPL in 2018 and the Gujarat Titans squad that claimed the title in 2023. As an all-rounder, Vijay Shankar bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace for the Indian team. Vijay Shankar’s age and birth date: Born on January 26, 1991, he is currently 34 years old. Standing at 6 feet tall, Vijay Shankar is an Indian cricketer. Vaishali Visweswaran is Vijay Shankar’s wife, and they married in January 2021. Vijay Shankar’s international centuries: He has not scored a century in international cricket. Vijay Shankar’s net worth and earnings: His estimated net worth ranges between $2.5 to $3 million, approximately ₹20 to 24 crores. Vijay Shankar’s jersey number across all formats for India is 59. Vijay Shankar’s career highlights: He became the first Indian cricketer to take a wicket on the opening delivery of his World Cup debut. All images used are for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely with Getty/Source.