Karun Nair changes his team!! RCB star joins

Vidarbha, who had an impressive 2024-25 domestic season, is set to lose two players ahead of the upcoming season, according to a report by Cricbuzz. Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma are expected to part ways with the team, which weakened one of India’s most consistent domestic teams in recent years.

The Vidarbha team performed exceptionally well across all formats last season. They secured the Ranji Trophy, finished as runners-up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and reached the quarterfinal stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma played key roles throughout the memorable run.

Karun Nair Set for Karnataka Return After Stellar Season with Vidarbha

Karun Nair is reportedly set to rejoin Karnataka after two successful seasons with Vidarbha. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in Vidarbha’s impressive 2024-25 campaign. He also led the side in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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Nair amassed 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, as Vidarbha clinched their third title in red-ball cricket. He was the leading run-getter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 779 runs at an average of 389.50, helping Vidarbha reach the final.

The batter also contributed to their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where the team reached the quarterfinals. According to Cricbuzz, personal and family reasons are behind Nair’s decision to return to Karnataka. The Karnataka State Cricket Association has hinted at welcoming him back.

Karun Nair’s Switch to Vidarbha Revives Career

Nair switched from Karnataka to Vidarbha ahead of the 2023–24 season. The move helped the middle-order batter revive his career, earning him call-ups to both India A and the senior squad for the five-match Test series against England, which is set to commence on June 20 in Leeds.

Nair, who debuted for India in 2016, has played six Tests. He became only the second Indian to score a Test triple century after Virender Sehwag, smashing an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai. He last played for India in March 2017 and accumulated 374 runs in seven innings during that stint.

Nair is now on the brink of an international comeback after nearly eight years. The right-handed batter is competing with Sai Sudharsan for a spot in the playing XI.

Jitesh Sharma Set to Join Baroda After Leading Vidarbha in T20s

Jitesh Sharma is on the verge of joining Baroda ahead of the new domestic season. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter led Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and played under Karun Nair’s captaincy during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He did not feature in the Ranji Trophy last season.

Jitesh impressed in the IPL, playing a crucial role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their run to the 2025 final. He scored 24 runs off 10 balls during RCB's six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash.

Officials from the Baroda Cricket Association have confirmed that the transfer is nearly finalized and that Jitesh is expected to be a regular across both red-ball and white-ball formats.

Also read: Karun Nair's horror show in nets forces coach to intervene before 1st Test against England