New Delhi, July 16
In a huge development, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will represent Baroda in the upcoming 2025/26 domestic season after leaving Vidarbha. Jitesh, who played nine T20Is for India, had been in the process of making a move to Baroda for the last couple of weeks.
Farokh Dastoor, CEO of the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), confirmed on Wednesday that they have issued the NOC to Jitesh, who was an integral member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team winning IPL 2025.
“Jitesh has enjoyed a close friendship with Krunal Pandya, his RCB teammate during the side’s first IPL win in June. With him not having played Ranji Trophy last season and Pandya aiming to make a Baroda team which can win a domestic title in the upcoming season, it all came together for Jitesh to leave Vidarbha,” said sources.
The first murmurs of Jitesh leaving Vidarbha ahead of the domestic season came to light when he touched the pitch at VCA Stadium Nagpur and signalled ‘it’s over’ with his hands in a post-match gesture caught by broadcasters DD Sports after leading his team Neco Master Blaster to winning the Vidarbha Pro T20 League final with a seven-wicket victory over Pagariya Strikers.