The 35-year-old athlete from Tamil Nadu, who later joined Tripura for the 2025-2026 domestic season, represented India in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is from 2018 to 2019.
Shankar shared his decision via a social media post, stating, “Cricket is my life. I began playing at the age of 10, and after 25 years, I feel grateful and blessed to have participated at every level, including the highest level. Representing our country will always rank among my proudest and happiest moments,” he expressed.
“I have made the choice to retire from domestic cricket and the IPL to explore new opportunities and play more cricket. A simple thank you is insufficient for allowing me to pursue my passion. I will be eternally grateful.” He went on to say, “I am thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team for the invaluable experiences, countless memories, and various inspirations! Representing the nation will always be my greatest honor. Bowling the last over in India’s 500th ODI at Nagpur and taking my first ball for my first wicket at the 2019 World Cup are moments I will cherish forever!”
Shankar was also part of the ODI World Cup squad in 2019 but made his final appearance in national colors against West Indies in Manchester before a toe injury sidelined him from the tournament, leading to the loss of his spot on the team.
He played for four IPL franchises: Chennai Super Kings (2014 and 2025), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017, 2019-2021), Delhi Capitals (2018), and Gujarat Titans (2022-2024), and did not feature in any team for the current edition.
The right-handed batsman and right-arm seamer participated in 77 First-Class matches, 112 List A contests, and 159 T20 games since his debut in 2012.
In First-Class cricket, Shankar accumulated 4,253 runs at an average of 46.73, including 13 centuries and 23 fifties, along with 43 wickets. In List A, he scored 2,790 runs at 34.87, with two centuries and 15 fifties, plus 73 dismissals.
He also recorded 2,583 runs in T20 matches and claimed 38 wickets.
