Vidarbha’s appetite for Karnataka batters is no secret. Now, after Karun Nair’s move back home, the Ranji champions are set to rope in Ravikumar Samarth, making him the third major Karnataka run-getter to wear Vidarbha colours in recent years. Samarth, seasoned and reliable, played all his cricket for Karnataka before a one-year stopover in Uttarakhand. Now, at 32, he’s ready for another fresh start.
Ravikumar Samarth set to represent Ranji Trophy champs
The move makes sense for Vidarbha. Ganesh Satish became their backbone for years, and Karun Nair’s massive 863 runs last season powered Vidarbha’s Ranji triumph. Samarth’s presence looks set to fill the gap, especially as Vidarbha chase another Ranji title. Karun Nair himself is now back in Karnataka colours and Vidarbha has brought in a major swoop.
“I have taken the NOC from Uttarakhand and am waiting for the formalities (with Vidarbha),” Samarth told Cricbuzz.
Having made his debut in 2013, Samarth has featured in 95 first-class games, scoring over 6,000 runs at an average of nearly 40. In his only season for Uttarakhand, he impressed with 649 runs in seven Ranji matches at an average of 54, alongside solid returns in List A cricket (385 runs at 55).
Ravikumar Samarth domestic stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 95 | 166 | 6157 | 235 | 39.72 | 15 | 35 |
| List A | 71 | 68 | 3050 | 192 | 49.19 | 10 | 17 |
| T20s | 30 | 27 | 459 | 54 | 17.65 | 0 | 1 |
