Murali Vijay (born April 1, 1984 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed opening batsman.
Vijay made his Test debut against Australia in the Fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Nagpur, in November 2008. He was selected for the match after Gautam Gambhir received a one-Test ban for elbowing Shane Watson in the Third Test of the same series in Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. Of Vijay's technique, former Australian captain Allan Border said "His defensive shots are so assured. And he looks comfortable of both front and back foot. And when he attacks, he doesn't go hard at the deliveries. I can see why this young man is playing." Vijay partnered Virender Sehwag, and they got India off to a solid start in both innings. Vijay made 33 and 40, contributing to opening stands of 98 and 116. During Australia's first innings, Vijay caused the first wicket to fall, running out Matthew Hayden with a direct hit from mid on. Hayden was attempting a quick single. He then ran out Michael Hussey when fielding at silly point. Hussey was unaware that Vijay had intercepted the ball at close range and instinctively took a step out of his crease in anticipation of a run, by which time Vijay threw down the stumps. In the second innings, he caught Brett Lee at bat pad from the bowling of Harbhajan Singh to complete his first catch.
Following his performance in his debut Test, Vijay was selected for the Indian ODI team for the first three matches against a touring England team. He did not get to play in any of the games, but was dropped after the three matches. He was replaced by Sachin Tendulkar.