Vijay Shankar became the center of debate following a sluggish innings during his latest outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Representing Gujarat Titans, Shankar’s 50+ knock was criticized for lacking the necessary momentum during a key run chase, which may have played a role in his team falling short of their target.
The match, played at the iconic Eden Gardens, saw Gujarat Titans needing a brisk scoring rate to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. Shankar, who came in at No. 4, appeared steady at the crease. However, his inability to rotate strike and capitalize on loose deliveries caused the required run rate to skyrocket. Despite reaching a half-century, it took him 42 balls—an unusually slow effort in T20 cricket where quick runs are the key to winning.
Former cricketers and analysts have weighed in on Shankar’s innings. Speaking on Star Sports after the match, former India opener Aakash Chopra said, “This was not the Vijay Shankar we saw in earlier seasons. It felt like he was stuck in two minds—whether to anchor or accelerate. Unfortunately, it didn’t serve the team’s purpose.”
On social media, the reactions were even sharper. Some fans empathized with Shankar, noting the lack of support from the other end, while others questioned whether he should remain in the playing XI with young talents waiting for a chance. Twitter was ablaze with comparisons between his innings and that of younger players like Riyan Parag and Tilak Varma, who have recently shown fearless batting.
Adding to the drama, this performance comes just days after Shankar had posted a 30-ball 60 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, reminding everyone of his potential. But the inconsistency has again raised questions about his role in the squad.
In the post-match press conference, Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra stood by the all-rounder. “Vijay is a senior player, and he’s played some match-winning knocks in the past. One or two innings don’t define a player. We back him completely,” Nehra stated.
Shankar, who made his India debut in 2018, has had a stop-start career at the international level. He featured in the 2019 World Cup but injuries and form dips saw him fall out of contention. IPL was viewed as his redemption arc, especially after strong performances in 2023 and 2024. But in the high-stakes world of franchise cricket, where performance is everything, there’s little room for error.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Vijay Shankar will need to find his rhythm quickly—not just to help his team stay afloat but also to silence critics and prove that he still belongs at the top level.
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