Tamil Nadu’s seasoned all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to follow in the footsteps of Hanuma Vihari, as he inches closer to a switch to Tripura for the upcoming 2025-26 Indian domestic cricket season. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the 34-year-old has already received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), clearing the first hurdle in his transfer process.
“I have obtained the NOC from TNCA but am yet to receive confirmation from the Tripura Cricket Association. I will be able to officially announce my switch once I get the formal approval letter from Tripura,” Shankar confirmed.
Shankar has been a stalwart for Tamil Nadu since making his debut in 2012. Over a 13-year domestic career, he has represented the state in 61 T20s, 69 List A matches, and 58 first-class games. Across all formats, he has scored nearly 6000 runs and picked up 97 wickets, showcasing his consistency as a dependable all-rounder. <h2>Recent Form: TNPL and IPL 2025 Highlights</h2>
In the most recent season, Shankar played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, continuing to be an integral part of the state’s cricket setup. He also turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025, playing six matches and scoring 118 runs at an impressive average of 39.33 and a strike rate of 129.67.
His IPL form could be one of the factors prompting Tripura to bolster their squad with experienced names ahead of a crucial domestic season. <h2>Tripura Cricket Team Undergoes Revamp Ahead of 2025-26 Season</h2>
Tripura is set to compete in the Elite Division of the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025-26. With major changes in the pipeline, the team is aiming for a more competitive edge by bringing in players with proven experience.
Just days before Shankar’s expected move, Hanuma Vihari also announced his switch to Tripura from Andhra. In his statement, Vihari expressed a desire for a platform that would better align with his aspirations:
“After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to move to the Tripura Cricket Association, where I will be representing the state in all three formats of the game,” he shared on his social media on August 26.
“While I’m grateful to Andhra Cricket Association for the role they have played in my journey so far, I believe that it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently across formats. Excited for this fresh challenge and fully committed to giving my best in this next phase.”
With both Vijay Shankar and Hanuma Vihari on board, Tripura is making a bold statement for the season ahead. Vihari is also expected to take over the captaincy duties, bringing leadership and national-level experience to a team looking to rebuild.
As Shankar awaits official confirmation from the Tripura Cricket Association, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on this potential game-changing move in the domestic circuit.
