From Srikakulam to the IPL: Tripurana Vijay out to show off-spinners can still do wonders

FILE PHOTO: Tripurana Vijay was part of the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone. | Photo Credit: R. RAGU

Tripurana Vijay is a lanky off-spinner with an uncomplicated action. He gets the ball to drift and dip without losing accuracy for long. Combined with the turn on offer, these qualities make him a tricky bowler to face.

On Tuesday, he offered a glimpse of his skills, claiming three wickets against Chhattisgarh as Andhra looked to take a first-innings lead after posting just 231 in their Ranji Trophy fixture here at the DVR Ground.

For much of his cricketing journey, however, Vijay had little idea about the finer aspects of the game. Hailing from Tekkali in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, he started playing cricket on the only cement pitch his town had.

“There is only one net and one cement wicket. There is nothing beyond that. I used to bowl and bat there only. I had no idea about turf wickets,” Vijay told Sportstar.

It was only after joining an academy in Vizianagaram that he encountered a turf wicket and gradually learnt more about the sport he was preparing to pursue professionally.

“I learnt about strength training, fitness, running and everything else. Before that, I only knew how to bowl. I didn’t know much about other aspects of cricket or how professional cricket worked. I got to know all that after joining the academy,” the 25-year-old said.

With the support of his coaches, Vikram Verma and C.D. Thomson, whom he met in Vizianagaram, and his family, particularly his father, Vijay began his journey.

“I started playing cricket because of my father. He used to play cricket and had a lot of interest in the game, but unfortunately, he couldn’t continue,” Vijay said.

“To date, there have been no restrictions from my parents. They have been very supportive of me playing sport. They never told me that I should only focus on my studies or take up a job,” he added.

Vijay always looking to improve at his craft 💪👏 https://t.co/vlYlHON6qd

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 2, 2025

In four years of senior cricket, Vijay has played 19 First-Class matches, taking 65 wickets. He has also featured in 14 List A matches and 11 T20s – performances that have drawn the attention of selectors and scouts.

At the IPL 2026 auction, Delhi Capitals picked him up for his base price of INR 30 lakh. In May this year, he made his league debut.

“Playing in the IPL is a dream for every player, and representing a team in the biggest tournament in India, alongside the greatest players, is always a great feeling. I worked a lot for it, and by God’s grace, I got the chance,” he said.

In his only appearance, against Rajasthan Royals, Vijay came close to dismissing teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, only for the batter to be dropped off his bowling.

“I was a bit unlucky not to get that wicket, but that’s fine. It’s part of the game, and I’ll just keep working hard and move forward,” he said.

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After the IPL, Vijay featured in the Duleep Trophy, where he took five wickets for South Zone in the final his side lost. He subsequently received his maiden India A call-up while attending a Delhi Capitals camp, replacing Vyshak Vijaykumar for the two four-day matches against Australia A.

Although he didn’t play, his selection suggests he is on the right track. “I wouldn’t say there is anything specific to learn. I just want to keep doing the things I have been doing till now,” he said.

Vijay is aware that traditional off-spin is a dying art in modern cricket and that’s exactly what motivates him to push forward.

“It motivates me to come out of my comfort zone. I want to show everyone that off-spinners can also do well in T20s and Test cricket. That’s my motto, and I will keep working hard and hope to do wonders,” Vijay concluded.