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Key Points

Jitesh Sharma, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter who played a crucial role in RCB's IPL 2025 victory, is set to represent Baroda in the upcoming domestic season. His move comes after receiving a No Objection Certificate from Vidarbha Cricket Association, driven by his close friendship with Krunal Pandya. The transfer opens up opportunities for Jitesh to expand his playing roles across different cricket formats. His recent performances, including captaining Vidarbha and finishing matches for RCB, have made him a sought-after player in domestic cricket.

Key Points: Jitesh Sharma Joins Baroda After IPL 2025 RCB Triumph

  • Jitesh moves to Baroda after successful IPL 2025 season with RCB
  • Vidarbha Cricket Association issues NOC for state transfer
  • Aims to play both white and red ball formats
  • Captained Vidarbha in recent domestic tournaments
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Jitesh Sharma to represent Baroda in 2025/26 domestic season after leaving Vidarbha

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma moves to Baroda, leaving Vidarbha after winning IPL with RCB and building friendship with Krunal Pandya

"Jitesh has enjoyed a close friendship with Krunal Pandya - Unnamed Source"

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 to IANS 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 aware of the development to IANS.

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.

In the last domestic season, Jitesh captained Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) competition and played under Karun Nair's leadership in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). A move to Baroda means Jitesh will be able to play both white ball and red ball formats, where he's played only 18 first-class games since making his longer format debut in 2015/16.

For RCB in IPL 2025, Jitesh played key knocks as a finisher, including hitting an unbeaten 85 in a must-win against Lucknow Super Giants and helping RCB finish in the top two of the points table. He also served as RCB's captain when Rajat Patidar suffered a finger injury towards the back end of the competition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
That 'it's over' gesture was so dramatic! 😂 But seriously, players moving states for better opportunities is becoming common now. Hope this works out for him. Baroda's jersey colors will suit him better than Vidarbha's orange anyway!
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Aman W
As a Vidarbha fan, I'm disappointed. He was our star player in SMAT. But can't blame him - Baroda offers better facilities and more visibility. Domestic cricket needs more parity between states to retain talent.
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Karan T
Smart move! Baroda has produced so many India players recently - Pandya brothers, Deepak Hooda. The setup there seems perfect for grooming talent. Jitesh could be the next big thing from that system if he works on his consistency.
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Priyanka N
His IPL performance was 🔥! That 85 against LSG was match-winning. But he needs to focus on first-class cricket too if he wants to be considered for Tests. Only 18 games in 9 years is not enough.
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Varun X
Not sure about this move. He was Vidarbha's captain and had leadership role. In Baroda, he'll be just another player in star-studded lineup. Sometimes being big fish in small pond is better for development.
N
Nisha Z

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