Nagpur: Something has gone terribly wrong within the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), as three senior Ranji Trophy players — star spinner Aditya Sarwate, batter Mohit Kale, and pacer Rajneesh Gurbani — have left the team for various reasons. According to media reports, more players may soon follow suit.
While players have the right to seek better opportunities, the manner in which this trio departed from last year’s Ranji finalists raises serious concerns. The exodus began with fast bowler Rajneesh Gurbani, who had won three consecutive Man of the Match awards, including in the final when Vidarbha secured their maiden Ranji Trophy by defeating Delhi. His departure was soon followed by vice-captain and all-rounder Aditya Sarwate, who announced his decision to play for Kerala in the upcoming season.
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Mohit Kale, a talented young batter and former captain of the Vidarbha U-23 team, also moved to another team due to job requirements. However, sources familiar with the government and corporate team dynamics suggest that if players are provided with adequate support and a positive environment, they are unlikely to leave. Kale, who had limited opportunities with Vidarbha, opted to join Puducherry, where he has been promised more chances to prove himself.
Reports indicate that more players are contemplating offers from other teams. The exodus can be traced back three years to when a fit Shrikant Wagh was controversially left out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad. The southpaw all-rounder, fresh off a stint as a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, was eager to contribute but, feeling snubbed, chose to move to Goa. What began as a small spark has now grown into a significant fire threatening to engulf Vidarbha cricket.
Aditya Sarwate’s departure has added fuel to the fire. The left-arm orthodox bowler, who won three Man of the Match awards in last season’s Ranji Trophy leading up to the final, publicly blamed the coaching staff, specifically naming head coach Usman Ghani and assistant coach Atul Ranade. Sarwate alleged that they questioned his commitment during the final. Ghani, on his part, responded by stating that Sarwate, as a professional player, was free to pursue better opportunities.
The report quoting a former player and current administrator, said the importance of respecting senior players. “It is shocking. Aditya has been a match-winner, and questioning his commitment was a mistake. Respect is mutual, and senior players must be treated with dignity. Even if a coach is dissatisfied with a player, it should be addressed privately. Public humiliation is unacceptable, especially for a star player like Sarwate. This will hurt Vidarbha,” he told a local newspaper.
Another former captain-turned-administrator suggested that Sarwate should have brought his grievances to the VCA’s attention before making such a drastic decision. “If he took such a big step and named individuals, something serious must have occurred. However, he should have approached VCA officials first. Making statements while leaving dilutes their impact. Vidarbha cricket must now move past this incident for the greater good. Both Sarwate and Ghani have contributed significantly to Vidarbha’s success. A dialogue could have resolved the issue before it escalated,” he concluded.
Media reports also suggest that Rajneesh Gurbani was unhappy with the selection process. Despite his stellar performances in the preceding tournaments, Gurbani was only picked for one game last season. Though fit, the think tank reportedly deemed him unfit, leading to his departure.
