Karn Sharma leaves Vidarbha, set to represent Andhra

After spending a season with Vidarbha, spinner Karn Sharma has decided to shift allegiance to Andhra Pradesh in this edition of the Ranji Trophy.

File photo of Karn Sharma in action during a Board President's XI game against New Zealand.

After spending a season with Vidarbha, spinner Karn Sharma has decided to shift allegiance to Andhra Pradesh in this edition of the Ranji Trophy.

Sharma, who was brought in by Vidarbha last year as a professional player — parted ways with the Ranji Trophy defending champion earlier this week. “This season, Sharma will be playing for Andhra Pradesh. He is the only professional recruit so far,” Andhra Cricket Association secretary, Ch Arun Kumar, told Sportstar.

Even Vidarbha Cricket Association’s vice-president, Prashant Vaidya, confirmed to this publication that the team decided to release him as he was not getting enough opportunities in the playing eleven. This season, Vidarbha has decided to retain two professional cricketers, Wasim Jaffer and Ganesh Satish. “Unfortunately he could not get much game last season due to so much competition, so he had asked for a release and we wish him all the luck for future assignments,” Vaidya said.

Last season, Sharma had moved to Vidarbha after a long stint with Railways but did not feature in too many games. Once considered a key player of the Indian team, Sharma was also a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A seasoned campaigner, the 29-year-old spinner would be hoping to make the most of his stint at Andhra.