T. Vijay says off-spinners can thrive in both Tests and T20s

T. Vijay said in Vijayawada on October 28, 2026 that he wants to prove off-spinners can excel in both Test and T20 cricket, after day three of the Ranji Trophy Group ‘B’ match between Andhra and Chhattisgarh at the DVR Ground was abandoned due to persistent rain.

Persistent rain overnight following Cyclone Arnab’s landfall brought an end to play on day three at the DVR Ground, the match was halted on Wednesday and both teams face a final day with three points still available.

Vijay is a lanky off-spinner with an uncomplicated action who, according to the report, gets the ball to drift and dip without losing accuracy and, combined with available turn, poses problems for batsmen.

He comes from Tekkali in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district and began playing on the only cement pitch in his town. “There is only one net and one cement wicket. There is nothing beyond that. I had no idea about turf wickets,” Vijay told The Hindu.

After joining an academy in Vizianagaram he encountered turf wickets and learned about broader aspects of the game. “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,” the 25-year-old said.

With support from coaches Vikram Verma and C.D. Thomson and his family, Vijay progressed into senior cricket; in four years he has played 19 First Class matches and taken 65 wickets. He has also featured in 14 List A matches and 11 T20s, performances that have attracted selectors and scouts.

Vijay made his IPL debut in 2026 with Delhi Capitals, was named in South Zone’s squad for the Duleep Trophy, and received his maiden India-A call-up for the two multi-day matches against Australia-A.

Chhattisgarh trailed Andhra’s first-innings total of 231 by 15 runs and had lost eight wickets when play stopped; Amandeep Khare was unbeaten on 74 and Vijay had taken three wickets so far.

Vijay said he is aware that traditional off-spin is a dying art in modern cricket and that motivates him. “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.

Play was abandoned on Wednesday after overnight rain following Cyclone Arnab’s landfall; both sides will hope conditions improve on the final day, with three points still in sight.