Vidarbha, one of the most successful domestic teams in India during the 2024/25 season, is facing a major reshuffle with two of its key players, Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma, set to depart. Both Nair and Sharma have been pivotal in Vidarbha’s remarkable performances across various formats, but reports suggest that the duo will be parting ways with the Nagpur-headquartered side ahead of the new campaign.
Vidarbha’s Stellar 2024/25 Season and the Impact of Nair and Sharma
Vidarbha had an exceptional run last season, winning the Ranji Trophy, finishing as runners-up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and reaching the quarterfinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). This success was driven in no small part by Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma, both of whom played key roles in the team’s stellar performances with the bat. Nair’s contribution in particular was instrumental in Vidarbha’s impressive run, and his potential return to the national team has been widely discussed.
Karun Nair’s Possible Return to Karnataka
Karun Nair, a seasoned campaigner, had a brilliant season with Vidarbha. He scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the tournament. He also topped the charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, accumulating 779 runs and proving his consistency across both formats.
However, sources have confirmed that Nair, who had moved to Vidarbha ahead of the 2023-24 season, is likely to return to his home state, Karnataka, for personal and family reasons. Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials have reportedly confirmed that Nair’s return is highly probable. While the player is currently with the Indian team in England, where he is eyeing a potential international comeback after an eight-year gap, his move back to Karnataka is expected to be confirmed in the near future.
Nair had also led Vidarbha during their Vijay Hazare campaign, but with personal reasons driving his decision, his return to Karnataka seems imminent. It is expected that Nair’s experience and impressive domestic record will be valuable to Karnataka’s middle-order in the coming seasons.
Jitesh Sharma to Join Baroda
Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, another key player for Vidarbha, is almost certain to make a move to Baroda. Sharma, who captained Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), will likely be a significant addition to Baroda’s squad. The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has confirmed that the transfer is expected to be completed within a day or two. Sharma’s move follows a highly successful season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played some match-winning knocks, including one in the final.
However, it is noteworthy that Sharma did not feature in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy campaign last season and struggled to make a significant impact in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His primary contribution came in the IPL, where he proved his mettle in pressure situations. According to BCA officials, Sharma will be available for both red-ball and white-ball cricket for Baroda, adding depth to their already competitive side.
Karnataka and Baroda’s Domestic Aspirations
In the 2024/25 season, Karnataka emerged as the Vijay Hazare Trophy champions, defeating Vidarbha in a thrilling final. However, they were unable to progress to the knockouts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or Ranji Trophy, which left them with mixed results overall. Baroda, on the other hand, lost in the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy while failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy.
With Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma making the switch, both Karnataka and Baroda will be hoping to strengthen their squads and improve upon their performances in the upcoming domestic season. Nair’s leadership and experience will undoubtedly benefit Karnataka, while Sharma’s aggressive batting and leadership will be a welcome addition to Baroda’s ranks.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Nair and Sharma
As Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma prepare to leave Vidarbha, both players are looking ahead to new challenges with their respective teams. While Vidarbha’s loss is certainly significant, the addition of these experienced players to Karnataka and Baroda will further enhance the competitiveness of the domestic circuit. For Nair, returning to Karnataka represents both a homecoming and a chance to revive his cricketing career at the state level. For Sharma, the move to Baroda gives him an opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in both formats of the game.
Vidarbha will need to regroup and continue their strong performances, despite the departure of these key players, as they look to defend their Ranji Trophy title and challenge in other formats.
