The Vidarbha state team, one of the standout performers in the previous domestic season, is set to lose two of its key players ahead of the upcoming campaign. Batting mainstays Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma have reportedly decided to move on from the Nagpur-based side, where they played vital roles in both red-ball and white-ball formats.
Vidarbha enjoyed a strong 2024–25 season, clinching the Ranji Trophy title, finishing as runners-up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and reaching the quarterfinals in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As per sources, Jitesh Sharma (31) is likely to shift to Baroda, while Karun Nair (33) is planning a return to Karnataka, his home state.
Karun Nair played a key role in Vidarbha’s success last season, scoring 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy and topping the Vijay Hazare charts with 779 runs. Now touring with Team India in England, he is eyeing a national comeback after eight years. Nair is likely to rejoin Karnataka for personal reasons, with KSCA confirming the move. He had captained Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Jitesh Sharma Set To Join Baroda Ahead Of New Season After Modest Run With Vidarbha
Jitesh Sharma is almost certain to join Baroda, with Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) officials indicating that the transfer will be finalized shortly. He led Vidarbha in the SMAT and played under Nair in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but had a modest impact. He did not participate in the Ranji Trophy last season.
However, Jitesh had a notable IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering several match-winning innings, including a key knock in the final. BCA officials expect him to feature in both red and white-ball formats. Attempts to reach Jitesh for a comment were unsuccessful, though a message has been left with him.
Last season, Karnataka lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy by defeating Nair-led Vidarbha but failed to qualify for the knockouts in the SMAT and Ranji Trophy. Baroda, meanwhile, reached the semifinals of the SMAT and the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but their Ranji Trophy campaign ended at the league stage.
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