Aditya Sarwate and Wasim Jaffer (Source:@ICC/X.com)
The 2025-26 Ranji season is all set to begin on October 15. Vidarbha are the defending champions, while Kerala were the finalists after their inspiring run to the finale under captain Sachin Baby.
Kerala To Miss Key All-Rounder In Next Ranji Season
However, both teams are likely to lose some of their key players ahead of the season. Earlier, a report stated that Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma would leave Vidarbha, and now Cricbuzz has stated that Aditya Sarwate is set to leave Kerala.
The report adds that the veteran all-rounder will play for Chattisgarh next season, and the development has been confirmed by KCA secretary Vinod Kumar and Aditya Sarwate to Cricbuzz.
"He has sought an NOC and we have issued it," KCA secretary Vinod Kumar.
"It's true that I have taken the NOC and am moving to Raipur. I am looking forward to the season and hope to help Chhattisgarh do well in the domestic circuit," Aditya Sarwate to Cricbuzz.
Sarwate played a big role in Kerala's success last year with 271 runs and 34 wickets with the ball. Thus, he is likely to leave a big hole in Kerala's squad this year. However, Jalaj Saxena and Baba Aparajith, the other two professionals, would continue to play for Kerala, as confirmed by the KCA official.
Vidarbha To Bring Back Wasim Jaffer As Batting Consultant
The other big move ahead of the season is likely to be the addition of Wasim Jaffer as a new batting consultant for Vidarbha. The Mumbai-cricket veteran played for Vidarbha at the backend of his domestic career and was instrumental in their success in those years.
Cricbuzz has also reported that Vidarbha Cricket is on the lookout for replacements of Karun Nair and Jitesh Sharma. The former Indian cricketer Prashant Vaidya is currently monitoring the process as Vidarbha aim to continue their good performance in the domestic circuit.