Karn Sharma’s Vidarbha future looks uncertain

NAGPUR: Around 12 months ago, when Karn Sharma joined the Vidarbha fold, he had only one expectation. The leggie, who donned the Indian colours in 2014, wanted to play for a good competitive team, which can provide him good facilities. He was eyeing a return to the Indian team.
It was an important phase of Sharma’s career. He was doing well for Railways but nobody was noticing his performances since the team was struggling.However, Sharma took the risk as he wanted to win the Ranji Trophy to make his efforts noticed to the Indian selectors. Not everyone resigns the Central government job but he made that big decision to play for the country again.
While he was the part of the Ranji Trophy winning team last year, Sharma couldn’t play all the matches. It’s affecting his chances of making a comeback. However, for Vidarbha coach Chandrakant Pandit, the team is more important than individuals.
“We don’t interfere in the team selection. It’s team management’s call on the final eleven. They take decision in the best interest of the team. It was tough to leave out a player like him but those who replaced him performed their roles perfectly,” a source in the Vidarbha Cricket Association, told TOI.
While Sharma still has the Vidarbha contract, there’s no guarantee that he will get the games in the next season. After he injured his knee before Bengal game last season, Sharma was replaced by Aditya Sarvate.
Allrounder Sarvate performed excellently throughout the season and played a key role in Vidarbha’s triumph. Sarvate, a right-hand batsman and a left-arm spinner, averaged 47.14 with the bat and 16.65 with the ball in Ranji Trophy.
“It’s the combination of the team, which kept Sharma out of the playing eleven. For Pandit, team comes first. He fields the best eleven, who can win the match. So far, results have been excellent,” he said.
Last year, when Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League, Sharma was on a high. He had played a crucial role in Mumbai’s success. He was the man of the match in the Eliminator and performed brilliantly in the final where he tied down Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith and MS Dhoni.
The then Vidarbha coach Paras Mhambrey, who was also part of the Mumbai Indians set-up then, played a crucial role in bringing Sharma to the Vidarbha fold. Mhambrey too wanted to win Ranji Trophy after Vidarbha failed to get past the quarterfinal stage twice during his tenure.
It looked a great decision as Sharma went on to become the highest-wicket taker in Duleep Trophy and two unofficial Tests against New Zealand. He was the highest wicket taker in the country after four matches bagging 38 wickets. He also bowled well in One-day series against New Zealand, which India won.
Mhambrey, who was also holding the post of assistant coach of India ‘A’ and India U-19, got the full time contract from the BCCI and left the Vidarbha fold. Pandit took over the Vidarbha reign and under him Sharma could play just four matches.
Mhambrey said Sharma should speak to coach and other officials about his Vidarbha future. “I can’t comment on what’s his current status because I don’t know what is the scene at Vidarbha. I am not in touch with Karn or anyone in VCA.
“So, I don’t know whether Karn has spoken to Chandu Bhai regarding this or not. Had I been in his place, I would have discussed the future with the coach and the team management whether I fit into their scheme of things. If not then take a call,” Mhambrey told TOI.
Sharma has been part of three IPL winning teams in the last three years. This year, he won the IPL title with Chennai Super Kings. Overall, he has won six trophies including Duleep, Ranji and Irani crowns this year. However, his focus would be donning the national colours again as the team management is preferring wrist spinners these days.