Overview

• Vidarbha’s decision to bench Sharma behind first-choice keeper Akshay Wadkar in the 2024–25 Ranji season left him without red-ball appearances, driving his move.
• Having compiled just 18 first-class matches since his 2015 debut, Sharma sees Baroda under Krunal Pandya as a platform to revive his red-ball career.
• His transfer was arranged through his rapport with Pandya, with their IPL 2025 title win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthening the connection.
• Swapnil Singh secured a switch from Uttarakhand to Tripura after taking 18 wickets in five Ranji matches in 2024–25 to seek more consistent first-class opportunities.
• These moves highlight the growing influence of IPL franchise relationships on domestic team rosters and players’ career trajectories.