Vijay Shankar Explosive Knock Stirs IPL 2025 Hopes as Baroda Triumphs Over Tamil Nadu
Chennai Super Kings fans have reasons to cheer as their new recruit, Vijay Shankar, showcased his explosive form ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The experienced all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 42 runs off just 22 balls during Tamil Nadu’s group-stage clash against Baroda in Indore on Wednesday.
Although Shankar’s blistering cameo was the highlight, the match ended with Baroda pulling off a thrilling 3-wicket victory by chasing down a daunting 222-run target on the last ball. The real talking point, however, was Shankar’s aggressive batting against India’s premier all-rounder, Hardik Pandya.
Shankar made an impact in the 17th over, taking on Pandya and blasting 3 sixes, showcasing his big-hitting prowess. Pandya, in contrast, had a tough day with the ball, conceding 44 runs from his 3 overs and failing to take a wicket.
Despite his struggles with the ball, Pandya redeemed himself with the bat. Baroda’s chase faltered early, but a stunning 69-run knock from Pandya, off just 30 balls with 4 fours and 7 sixes, brought them back into contention.
The game reached a tense climax when Shankar ran out a well-set Pandya off the first ball of the last over. However, Baroda held their nerve, successfully completing the chase and securing a thrilling win.
For Tamil Nadu, Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets, but Shankar’s lone over, which went for 18 runs, proved to be costly.
Meanwhile, Shankar’s impressive form has added to his value, as he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings on the second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. The five-time IPL champions outbid his former team, Gujarat Titans, securing his services for the upcoming season.
