Karun Nair Set for Karnataka Return, Jitesh Sharma Likely to Join Baroda: Report

Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma, two of Vidarbha’s most valuable batters, are set to leave the Nagpur-based side before the upcoming season. 

Nair, who had outstanding 2024-25 with Vidarbha, is expected to return to his home state, Karnataka. Jitesh Sharma, Vidarbha's white-ball custodian and experienced middle-order batter, will likely join Baroda, with the move deemed "almost certain" in the next few days, as reported by Cricbuzz.

This transfer comes on the heels of Vidarbha’s most successful season yet: champions in the Ranji Trophy, runners-up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and quarter-finalists in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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Karun Nair to Rejoin Karnataka, Baroda Target Jitesh Sharma for 2025-26 Season

After a two-year stint away from his home state, Karun Nair is expected to play for Karnataka in the 2025-26 season. He amassed 863 runs in the recent Ranji season, fourth highest overall and topped the Vijay Hazare run charts with a prolific 779 runs. 

Having already secured a recall to the Indian Test team after almost seven years, his decision to shift domestic base appears to be driven by personal and family reasons. His return will strengthen Karnataka's batting unit and re-establish the connection he once had with his home team. 

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma is poised to join Baroda. The 31-year-old captained Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performance in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was very impressive and helped the franchise win its maiden title. His transfer to Baroda will reportedly be finalised within a couple of days.

Karnataka and Baroda’s 2024-25 Season in Review

Last season, Karnataka lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy after defeating Vidarbha in the final. However, their white-ball success did not carry over into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where they failed to reach the knockout phase. Karnataka could not progress beyond the Ranji Trophy league stage.

Baroda made it to the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and reached the quarterfinals in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Their Ranji campaign ended in the league round.

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