Vijay Shankar Breaks Ashwin’s Record with CSK Return after Nearly 4,000 Days
In a remarkable comeback, former Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar made his first appearance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in nearly 11 years in their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on Sunday. The impressive feat not only marked Shankar’s return to the CSK fold but also set a new record for the longest time between two CSK appearances.
Shankar’s comeback was a significant one, breaking the record previously held by Ravichandran Ashwin. The all-rounder had a gap of 3,591 days between his two CSK appearances, a feat that Shankar has now surpassed with his return after 3,974 days.
Shankar’s journey with CSK began in 2013, when he was signed by the team for the Indian Premier League (IPL). He went on to play for the team until 2014, making 10 appearances and scoring 111 runs and taking 5 wickets. However, after a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, Shankar’s career began to stagnate.
Despite his struggles, Shankar continued to work on his game, eventually earning a recall to the Indian national team in 2020. He played for India in the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2021 IPL, but his form continued to be patchy.
However, Shankar’s hard work and determination paid off when CSK decided to give him another chance. In a surprise move, the team signed him for the 2025 IPL season, much to the delight of his fans.
Shankar’s comeback was a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Despite being out of the CSK fold for over a decade, he managed to regain his form and fitness, earning a spot in the team’s playing XI.
Speaking about his comeback, Shankar said, “I’m thrilled to be back with CSK. It’s a great feeling to be playing for the team again. I’ve worked hard to get back into shape and I’m excited to contribute to the team’s success.”
Shankar’s record-breaking comeback is a remarkable achievement, not just for himself but also for CSK. The team has a reputation for giving players a second chance, and Shankar’s return is a testament to that philosophy.
The Indian cricket fraternity has also been quick to congratulate Shankar on his achievement. Former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, who is also the CSK captain, tweeted, “Welcome back, Vijay! It’s great to have you back in the team. Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all of us. #CSK #VijayShankar”
As Shankar settles back into the CSK fold, fans are eagerly waiting to see what the future holds for him. Will he be able to recreate his earlier form and become a key player for the team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Vijay Shankar’s comeback is a story that will be remembered for a long time to come.
