Will Jitesh Sharma Make a Significant Impact Representing Baroda in the 2025/26 Domestic Season?
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Synopsis
In a major shake-up in Indian domestic cricket, Jitesh Sharma is leaving Vidarbha to join Baroda for the 2025/26 season. This exciting move is expected to enhance his performance and bring new energy to Baroda's squad as they strive for championship success.
Key Takeaways
- Jitesh Sharma moves to Baroda for the 2025/26 season.
- He has played nine T20Is for India.
- Jitesh was a key player in RCB's IPL 2025 victory.
- He aims to compete for domestic titles with Baroda.
- The shift allows him to play in multiple formats.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is set to don the Baroda jersey in the forthcoming 2025/26 domestic season after parting ways with Vidarbha. Jitesh, who has represented India in nine T20Is, has been contemplating this transition to Baroda for the past few weeks.
Farokh Dastoor, the CEO of the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), confirmed to IANS on Wednesday that an NOC has been granted to Jitesh, who played a crucial role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the IPL 2025.
“Jitesh shares a strong bond with Krunal Pandya, his teammate during RCB's first IPL triumph in June. With Jitesh not participating in the Ranji Trophy last season and Pandya's ambition to build a championship-winning Baroda squad for the upcoming season, the move to Baroda made perfect sense,” sources informed IANS.
The speculation about Jitesh's departure from Vidarbha gained traction when he gestured 'it’s over' with his hands at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, captured by DD Sports, after leading his team Neco Master Blaster to victory in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League final against Pagariya Strikers.
In the previous domestic season, Jitesh led Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and played under Karun Nair during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). Transitioning to Baroda will enable Jitesh to participate in both white-ball and red-ball formats, having played only 18 first-class matches since his debut in the longer format during the 2015/16 season.
During IPL 2025, Jitesh made significant contributions as a finisher for RCB, including an unbeaten 85 in a crucial match against Lucknow Super Giants, which helped RCB secure a top-two finish in the points table. He also stepped in as RCB’s captain when Rajat Patidar suffered a finger injury towards the end of the competition.
Point of View
We are committed to providing unbiased coverage of sports events and player movements. Jitesh Sharma's transition from Vidarbha to Baroda marks an important moment in his career, which reflects the evolving dynamics of domestic cricket in India. This move not only highlights individual aspirations but also the strategic intentions of Baroda to strengthen their lineup for future competitions.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jitesh Sharma leave Vidarbha?
Jitesh Sharma left Vidarbha to join Baroda primarily to enhance his cricketing prospects and collaborate with players like Krunal Pandya in pursuit of a domestic title.
What has Jitesh Sharma achieved in his career so far?
Jitesh Sharma has played nine T20Is for India and was a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their IPL 2025 win.
What roles has Jitesh Sharma played in previous domestic seasons?
In the last domestic season, Jitesh captained Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and played under Karun Nair in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
What does joining Baroda mean for Jitesh's career?
Joining Baroda allows Jitesh to participate in both white-ball and red-ball formats, expanding his opportunities in domestic cricket.
How did Jitesh perform in IPL 2025?
In IPL 2025, Jitesh played crucial innings, including an unbeaten 85 against Lucknow Super Giants, and even captained RCB towards the end of the season.
