Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is set to switch from Vidarbha to Baroda for the upcoming domestic season. The 31-year-old, who is also part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad, did not play a single match in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, serving as a backup to Vidarbha skipper and first-choice keeper Akshay Wadkar. He remained active in white-ball formats under Karun Nair’s captaincy.
The move to Baroda has been in the works for a while and is believed to have been influenced by Jitesh’s close ties with Baroda captain Krunal Pandya, his RCB teammate during their maiden IPL title win in 2025.
Red-Ball Revival?
The transfer could offer Jitesh a chance to revive his first-class career, which has been sporadic. Since debuting in 2015–16, he has played only 18 first-class matches, averaging 24.48 with four fifties. His last appearance came nearly 18 months ago.
T20 Rise and IPL 2025 Impact
Despite limited red-ball exposure, Jitesh has made a name in T20s. He debuted for India during the Asian Games 2023, and has played 9 T20Is so far.
In IPL 2025, he played a crucial role for RCB as a finisher, smashing an unbeaten 85 against Lucknow Super Giants in a must-win match that helped RCB secure a top-two finish. He also served as vice-captain to Rajat Patidar, and led the team briefly during Patidar’s injury absence.
Swapnil Singh Set to Join Tripura
Meanwhile, Swapnil Singh, Jitesh’s RCB teammate and the franchise’s only RTM pick at the mega auction, is set to move from Uttarakhand to Tripura. Though he didn’t get a game in IPL 2025, Swapnil had a decent Ranji season with 18 wickets in five matches. His white-ball form, however, was underwhelming.
The all-rounder also featured in TNPL 2025 for Chepauk Super Gillies, where he picked up 3 wickets and scored 85 runs in eight matches.
