According to a significant development announced prior to the 2025–2026 domestic season, Vidarbha is expected to lose two of their main players, Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma. Both players made major contributions with the bat in a variety of forms and were essential to Vidarbha’s winning 2024–25 campaign. Nair and Jitesh played key roles in the Nagpur-based team’s success last season, which saw them win the Ranji Trophy, place second in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and advance to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) quarterfinals.
According to reports, Jitesh, who captained Vidarbha in white-ball formats, is about to go to Baroda. His transfer is anticipated to be confirmed in the coming days, according to sources within the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).
As a member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team that won the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), Jitesh garnered waves for his aggressive batting style and leadership. Jitesh will play for Baroda in both red-ball and white-ball formats, according to BCA officials.
For family and personal reasons, Karun Nair is rumoured to be preparing to return to his native Karnataka.
After almost eight years, the 33-year-old is currently in England and hopes to rejoin the national squad.
He finished fourth in the tournament previous season with 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy and first in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 779 runs, demonstrating his outstanding domestic form.
According to sources within the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), there is a high probability that Nair would return to Karnataka. In a recent India A match against the England Lions, he scored two hundred runs. His potential inclusion in India’s starting XI for the opening Test match against England, which is scheduled to start on June 20 at Headingley, has grown in light of this performance.
If the big departures do happen, Vidarbha will have to rearrange their team and tactics.
India
