In a significant development in the realm of domestic cricket, Delhi’s accomplished top-order batter, Dhruv Shorey, has inked a deal to grace the ranks of the two-time Ranji Trophy title-winning squad, Vidarbha, for the upcoming 2023/24 domestic cricket season. This move, validated by the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) CEO, Farokh Dastoor, showcases Shorey’s aspirations for a new chapter in his cricket journey.
Accompanying this transfer bombshell, left-handed batter Nitish Rana has stirred the cricket circuit by expressing his intention to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to part ways with Delhi’s cricket setup. This unexpected double blow to Delhi’s cricket dynamics adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding cricket season. The capital side boasts an illustrious cricket history, with seven Ranji Trophy triumphs and notable victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Confirming Dhruv Shorey’s transition to Vidarbha, VCA CEO Farokh Dastoor stated, “Yes, Dhruv Shorey will be joining Vidarbha for the upcoming domestic season. The necessary NOC has been secured. Additionally, Karun Nair is another professional player who has joined the Vidarbha squad.”
Shorey’s performance in the previous domestic season showcased his mettle, amassing an impressive 859 runs for Delhi with a remarkable average of 95.44 in the Ranji Trophy. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering Delhi’s absence from the knockouts. His commendable performance secured him the fourth position among the highest run-scorers of the 2022/23 Ranji Trophy season, trailing only behind Mayank Agarwal of Karnataka (990), Arpit Vasavada of Saurashtra (907), and Anustup Majumdar of Bengal (867).
In recent times, Shorey’s participation in Delhi’s playing eleven for the Vijay Hazare Trophy has experienced fluctuations. His presence in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been limited, with his most recent appearance dating back to 2021.
Shyam Sharma, Director of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), extended well wishes to Shorey for his career move. He acknowledged Shorey’s talents while expressing that the decision to explore new opportunities is a testament to the player’s pursuit of growth.
The cricket fraternity’s attention is also focused on Nitish Rana’s contemplated departure from Delhi. A mainstay in Delhi’s batting lineup, Rana’s application for an NOC signals potential changes on the horizon. Sharma emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with Rana and expressed a desire to retain the skilled batter within Delhi’s cricket ecosystem.
Nitish Rana, who showcased his leadership skills by captaining Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023, has been a consistent presence in Delhi’s white-ball contingent, even assuming the captaincy mantle. Nevertheless, Rana’s involvement in last season’s Ranji Trophy campaign for Delhi was sporadic.
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As this intriguing cricket saga unfolds, Delhi’s cricket enthusiasts await further developments and potential transformations within the team’s composition, keeping a keen eye on the future of Dhruv Shorey and Nitish Rana in their respective cricketing endeavors.
-IANS
