Pro batter Karun Nair has been named as the leader of Vidarbha for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, as the team named their squad for the upcoming 50-over domestic competition. A 17-man squad revealed by the senior selection committee, led by Sudhir Wankhede, features a strong squad ahead of the tournament.
Under Karun’s captaincy, Vidarbha will see international stars like Jitesh Sharma, who is also the designated vice-captain as well as the wicketkeeper of the side. The team also features experienced players like Akshay Wadkar and Dhruv Shorey.
No place for Umesh Yadav
Ace India speedster Umesh Yadav, who also happens to be the most experienced campaigner in the unit, hasn’t found a place in the team. Known as ‘Vidarbha Express’, Yadav was present in the Ranji Trophy as well as Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) squads for the side. However, premier pacers like Aditya Thakare, Darshan Nalkande, and Yash Thakur have bolstered the pace battery for Vidarbha in Yadav’s absence. Left-arm bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey will be responsible for the spin department.
Speaking of the batting unit, southpaws Atharva Taide and Yash Rathod are expected to open the innings, while Dhruv Shorey may be seen batting one down. Skipper Nair may bat at his usual position, which is no. 4, which can later be followed by Wadkar and stumper-batter Jitesh. The attacking left-hand bat of Shubham Dubey may come handy to play the role of a finisher.
Vidarbha Squad & Support Staff for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Karun Nair (Captain), Dhruv Shorey, Atharva Taide, Yash Rathod, Apoorv Wankhade, Shubham Dubey, Aman Mokhade, Yash Kadam, Jitesh Sharma, Akshay Wadkar, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Aditya Thakare, Praful Hinge, Darshan Nalkande, Nachiket Bhute
Support Staff: Usman Ghani (Coach), Atul Ranade (Assistant Coach), Yuvraj Singh Dasondhi (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Dr. Nitin Khurana (Physio), Yash Thorat (Sidearm Ball Thrower), Rohit Page, Amit Manikrao (Video Analysts), Jitendra Darbhe (Manager)
Also Read: Mohammed Shami to return to 50-over cricket, named in Bengal’s Vijay Hazare squad
Vidarbha Schedule for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
| Date | Opposition | Time (IST) | Venue |
| December 23, 2024 | Jammu & Kashmir | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
| December 26, 2024 | Chhattisgarh | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
| December 28, 2024 | Chandigarh | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
| December 31, 2024 | Tamil Nadu | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
| January 03, 2025 | Uttar Pradesh | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
| January 05, 2025 | Mizoram | 9:00 AM | Vizzy Stadium, Vizianagaram |
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