CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu batsman Vijay Shankar will continue his association with the India Cements-owned Vijay CC in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league.
The right-hander was offered a contract by rival club Jolly Rovers — owned by Chemplast — but following a fruitful discussion with India Cements officials, Vijay has decided to stay put with the club of which he has been a part of for the past six years. When the news of India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin switching to Jolly Rovers came up, it emerged that Vijay too will follow suit.
One of the reasons as to why the batsman was pondering a move was the lack of opportunities for batting higher up the order in Vijay CC, which already has the likes of Abhinav Mukund, Dinesh Karthik, Baba Aparajith, Baba Indjrajith and R Prassana.
However, it is understood that Vijay’s meeting with IC officials — Kasi Viswanathan and RI Pazhani — changed his mind.
“One of the reasons I wanted to move was because I thought there would be more opportunities to bat higher up the order, which I didn’t get that much at Vijay CC. But I had a free and open discussion with India Cements officials, and they assured that I will get more chances. That played a big role in changing my mind.
“I’ve been with them for six years now. I’ve been very comfortable being around with them, and have learnt so much here. When I look back, it would be a good decision,” Vijay told Express.
The 25-year-old was recently part of the victorious Sunrisers Hyderabad squad in the IPL.