Ravikumar Samarth Likely to Replace Karun Nair at Vidarbha for Upcoming Domestic Season

Ravikumar Samarth Likely to Replace Karun Nair at Vidarbha for Upcoming Domestic Season

Vidarbha are set to bolster their batting line-up for the upcoming domestic season with the inclusion of seasoned Karnataka batter Ravikumar Samarth, who is likely to replace Karun Nair as one of the team’s two professionals.

The move marks another Karnataka-to-Vidarbha transition, continuing a trend that previously saw the likes of Ganesh Satish and Karun Nair make similar switches. Samarth, 32, spent the last domestic season with Uttarakhand after a decade-long stint with his home state, Karnataka.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Samarth confirmed the development: “I have taken the NOC from Uttarakhand and am waiting for the formalities (with Vidarbha).” Sources within the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) also confirmed that the signing is close to being finalized.

A veteran of the Indian domestic circuit, Samarth has played 95 first-class matches, amassing 6157 runs at an average of 39.72. In the 2024–25 season with Uttarakhand, he impressed across formats, scoring:

  • 649 runs in 7 first-class games (average 54.08)

  • 385 runs in List A matches (average 55)

  • 184 runs in T20s (average over 30)

Samarth’s recruitment is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Karun Nair, who has opted to return to his home state due to personal reasons. Nair had a prolific run with Vidarbha, especially last season when he played a pivotal role in their Ranji Trophy triumph, scoring 863 runs in 9 matches.

Before Nair, Vidarbha had benefitted from the services of Ganesh Satish, another Karnataka product, who spent nine seasons with the team between 2014–15 and 2022–23.

Alongside Samarth, Dhruv Shorey, originally from Delhi, will continue as Vidarbha’s second professional player.

Cricbuzz also reached out to Prashant Vaidya, Chairman of Vidarbha’s Cricket Development Committee, for an official comment on the signing.

With this move, Vidarbha aims to maintain the consistency and experience in their top order as they look to defend their Ranji title in the upcoming 2025–26 season.