India, May 26 -- Vijay Shankar is set for his first Lanka Premier League stint after Kandy Royals signed the Indian all-rounder as one of their marquee players for the 2026 season.

Shankar, who recently retired from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, headlines the pre-draft signings for the sixth edition of the tournament. Kandy Royals have also signed Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga and Moeen Ali, giving them one of the strongest marquee groups before the player draft.

The move is significant for Shankar, who remains available for overseas T20 leagues despite stepping away from India's domestic structure. His signing gives Kandy an experienced Indian option who can contribute as a middle-order batter and seam-bowling all-rounder, w...