In the world of cricket, few players have been as enigmatic and misunderstood as Vijay Shankar. For years, he was a figure of constant discussion, often labeled as the '3D player' during the 2019 World Cup. But as he now retires from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, there is a sense of quiet pride in his journey. This is the story of a player who, despite facing injuries, criticism, and constant scrutiny, never lost sight of his dream to play at the highest level. It's a tale of resilience, acceptance, and a love for the game that goes beyond the numbers on the scoreboard.
A Journey of Acceptance and Gratitude
When Shankar announced his retirement, his first emotion was one of acceptance. It was a decision that had been building for a long time, and the realization that his career was coming to an end felt both strange and emotional. "It's very difficult to put into words, but it definitely felt a little strange," he said. "Yes, it was emotional, but sometimes you need to take that call at some point in your career."
The decision was not driven by bitterness or regret, but by a sense of fulfillment. "I don't have any regrets," he asserted. "I'm actually very proud of the way I played my cricket. This game has taught me everything. It taught me how to lead my life. I'm always grateful for that."
The Importance of Domestic Cricket
Shankar's career was shaped by his time playing for Tamil Nadu, where he won three trophies as captain. "Domestic cricket is very, very important as far as I'm concerned," he emphasized. "You get to experience a lot of quality bowling and play against quality players. That's the best place to develop talent for the Indian team."
His leadership style evolved across different formats, but the core remained the same: "I always thought more about what the team needs than what I personally need. If I had focused on personal milestones, I probably could have ended my career with many more numbers. But I always wanted to do well for the team."
The All-Rounder's Challenge
Shankar entered the Indian team as an all-rounder, a role that brought both challenges and rewards. "Whoever I've played with, at the end of the day, whatever role I get, I have to be ready for it," he noted. "Even in the Indian team, I batted in different positions. I had to bowl whenever it was needed, and when the team required me to deliver, I had to do it."
Despite the challenges, he found joy in being involved in the game throughout. "As an all-rounder, the best part is that you're involved in the game throughout. It's not like you bat and then just stand somewhere while fielding. You're constantly involved, and I always enjoyed that."
The Impact Player Rule and the Future of All-Rounders
Shankar reflects on the changing landscape of cricket, particularly the Impact Player rule in the IPL. "No, I still feel that you can look at it in two ways," he said. "One way is to say that because of the Impact Player rule, your role has reduced. But on the other hand, if you want to play for your country and be the best, you need to find a way to become the best batter and the best bowler possible."
He sees the IPL as a great platform for all-rounders, but also as a place to develop and improve. "If you do well, you get noticed and can move to the next level. One or two good games can give you a lot of confidence. But then you go back to domestic cricket and continue grinding."
Looking Ahead: Coaching, Mentoring, and More
Shankar's retirement note also hinted at his future plans, including exploring overseas leagues and pursuing new opportunities. "If I get opportunities to play leagues overseas, I'd like to explore them," he said. "I think that would be a great opportunity because I'm still playing a lot of good cricket in Chennai, and I also had a good domestic season last year."
He sees his future in cricket as a never-ending process of learning and improvement. "Even after I eventually stop playing cricket completely, whether it's coaching or something else, I will still need to keep learning and improving. That's a never-ending process, and I'll continue doing that."
A Message to Fans
Finally, Shankar had a message for his fans: "To my fans, thank you so much for always being there. I wrote in my retirement note that I faced a lot of hate and criticism throughout my career. But I also had a lot of wonderful fans who supported me throughout. So thank you so much for that. And I'll keep playing cricket. I love playing cricket. This is my life, so I'll keep playing cricket."
Vijay Shankar's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the joy of the game. As he moves on from cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport that will continue to inspire generations to come.
