NECO Master Blaster Aims for Double Title Defence in VPL Season 2

Key facts

• NECO Master Blaster are the defending champions of the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL).
• Season 2 of the VPL will feature a player auction on May 3.
• Captain Jitesh Sharma will lead the NECO Master Blaster men's team.
• Harsh Dubey has been added to the NECO Master Blaster squad.
• 126 players will be available in the VPL Season 2 auction pool.
• Umesh Yadav and Dhruv Shorey are among the nine marquee players in Category A.
• The women's team, led by Shraddha Nabira, will compete for their maiden title.

Defending Champions Eye Repeat Success

NECO Master Blaster is heading into Season 2 of the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) with a declared strong confidence, having successfully assembled a formidable men's squad at the recent player auction. The defending champions aim to build on last season's triumph, with captain Jitesh Sharma set to lead the team once again. The franchise has prioritised a blend of continuity and new talent to strengthen their position. The team's strategy focused on maintaining its core players while integrating key additions, aiming for a balance between seasoned performers and emerging cricketers. This approach, according to a press release from the franchise, is designed to ensure the team remains competitive and capable of retaining its title. Anand Jayaswal, Owner of NECO Master Blaster, articulated the team's auction strategy, stating the goal was to reinforce specific areas while fostering a franchise that resonates with the Vidarbha region. He expressed satisfaction with the assembled group and highlighted Jitesh Sharma's leadership as crucial for guiding the team with the same passion and determination that secured their previous success. The owner's ambition is clear: to bring home two trophies this season.

Squad Building and Strategic Additions

The NECO Master Blaster franchise has strategically focused on achieving the right balance between continuity and the infusion of new talent. A significant addition to the squad is Harsh Dubey, who brings valuable top-level experience to the team. This move underscores the franchise's commitment to enhancing its playing roster with players capable of making an immediate impact. Captain Jitesh Sharma shared his positive outlook on the newly formed squad, noting the strong balance within the group. He expressed eagerness for the team to come together as a cohesive unit and commence preparations for the upcoming season. Sharma acknowledged the high expectations that come with being defending champions and affirmed the team's readiness to meet the challenge and defend their crown. Siddharth Jaiswal, Director of Neco Defence Systems Pvt Ltd, welcomed the diverse talent joining the NECO Master Blaster family. He emphasised the organisation's commitment to fostering an environment where players can perform freely while pursuing excellence. Jaiswal extended his best wishes to both the men's and women's teams, encouraging them to play with passion, unity, and a drive for glory.

VPL Season 2 Player Auction Details

Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) Season 2 is set to feature a significant player auction on May 3, where 126 players will go under the hammer. The auction, to be conducted by presenter Charu Sharma, will have its first half broadcast live on Sony TEN 5 from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Prior to the auction, six franchises had already retained a total of 32 top Vidarbha players. Defending champions NECO Master Blaster and last year's runners-up Pagariya Strikers each retained six players. Bharat Rangers, Orange Tigers, India Warriors (formerly Nagpur Titans), and Nagpur Heroz secured five players apiece. Teams were permitted to retain a maximum of six players, with a limit of two players from each of Categories A, B, and C as classified by the VCA. The auction pool is structured with nine marquee players in Category A, each with a base price of Rs 2.5 lakh. This elite group includes prominent names such as Umesh Yadav, Harsh Dubey, and Dhruv Shorey. Category B comprises 43 players at a base price of Rs 1.5 lakh, while Category C consists of 74 players with a base price of Rs 1 lakh. Each franchise has an auction purse of Rs 42 lakh to assemble a minimum 15-member squad, with a maximum of Rs 17 lakh allowed for player retentions.

Inclusivity and Women's Cricket Development

Beyond the men's competition, NECO Master Blaster is demonstrating a sustained commitment to the advancement of women's cricket. The franchise's women's team, under the leadership of Shraddha Nabira, is poised to compete with the objective of securing their maiden title in VPL Season 2. This initiative aligns with the franchise's broader vision of cultivating a comprehensive and inclusive cricketing ecosystem within the Vidarbha region. Adding to the women's tournament, the league has introduced an additional team, Pagariya Strikers, for the women's competition. This expansion will see the women's tournament held concurrently with the men's event, from June 1 to June 14. Unlike the men's tournament, there will be no auction for women players in this season. With both the men's and women's teams carrying the NECO Master Blaster banner, the franchise remains dedicated to nurturing talent, inspiring its fanbase, and representing the region with distinction. The men's team will focus on defending their title, while the women's team sets its sights on achieving championship status for the first time.

Maintaining Standards as Defending Champions

Ramesh Jayaswal, Managing Director of Jayaswal Neco Group, highlighted the inherent responsibility that comes with being defending champions. He emphasised the need to maintain the high standards previously set by the team. Jayaswal expressed satisfaction with the auction's outcome, believing the squad possesses the requisite blend of quality, depth, and character. The focus for the team now shifts to rigorous preparation and carrying the same competitive spirit into Season 2. The organisation is committed to ensuring the team is well-prepared to compete at the highest level and retain their championship status. This dedication to preparation is seen as vital for sustained success. Captain Jitesh Sharma echoed these sentiments, expressing happiness with the squad's composition and the strong balance evident within the group. He looks forward to the team uniting as a unit and engaging in thorough preparation for the season ahead. Sharma acknowledged that expectations would be elevated due to their championship status but affirmed the team's readiness for this challenge and their ambition to retain the title.

The bottom line

• NECO Master Blaster, the defending VPL champions, have reinforced their squad with a mix of experienced and new talent for Season 2.
• Captain Jitesh Sharma will lead the men's team, which aims to retain its title.
• The VPL Season 2 player auction will feature 126 players, including marquee names like Umesh Yadav and Harsh Dubey.
• The franchise is also committed to women's cricket, with Shraddha Nabira leading the women's team in pursuit of their first title.
• The league has expanded its women's tournament with an additional team and will run concurrently with the men's event.
• Franchises have an auction purse of Rs 42 lakh to build squads of at least 15 players, with spending limits on retentions.