Jitesh Sharma to Lead Defending Champions NECO Master Blaster in VPL Season 2

Key facts

• Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) Season 2 Players’ Auction is scheduled for May 3.
• 126 players will be available for bidding at the auction.
• NECO Master Blaster is the defending champion team.
• Captain Jitesh Sharma expressed happiness with the squad assembled.
• Ramesh Jayaswal is the Managing Director of Jayaswal Neco Group.
• Siddharth Jaiswal is the Director of Neco Defence Systems Pvt Ltd.
• Nine marquee players have a base price of Rs 2.5 lakh.

NECO Master Blaster Eyes Title Defence

The NECO Master Blaster franchise is setting its sights on a strong performance in the upcoming season of the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL). As defending champions, the team aims to retain its title and is looking to secure two trophies this year. The franchise has strategically focused on assembling a squad that balances seasoned performers with emerging talent, a strategy that yielded success in the previous season. Ramesh Jayaswal, Managing Director of Jayaswal Neco Group, emphasized the responsibility that comes with being defending champions. He stated that the team is pleased with the auction's outcome and believes the squad possesses the necessary quality, depth, and character to maintain high standards. The immediate focus is on thorough preparation and carrying the same competitive spirit into Season 2.

Captain Sharma Confident in Squad Balance

Captain Jitesh Sharma shared his optimism regarding the newly formed squad, highlighting a strong balance within the group. He expressed eagerness for the team to coalesce into a cohesive unit and commence preparations for the season. Sharma acknowledged the heightened expectations that accompany the defending champions' status but affirmed the team's readiness to meet the challenge and defend their crown. Sharma also conveyed his anticipation of connecting with and playing alongside his new teammates. The sentiment within the franchise is one of excitement and determination, with a clear objective to replicate and surpass last season's achievements. The team's leadership is focused on fostering an environment of passion and unity.

VPL Season 2: A Grand Auction Unfolds

The Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) Season 2 is set to feature a comprehensive players' auction on May 3, where 126 cricketers will go under the hammer. This marks a significant development as it is the first time the VPL will conduct an auction for its men's tournament. Renowned presenter Charu Sharma will oversee the proceedings, with the initial part of the auction being 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. The defending champions, NECO Master Blaster, and last year's runners-up, Pagariya Strikers, secured six players each. Bharat Rangers, Orange Tigers, India Warriors (formerly Nagpur Titans), and Nagpur Heroz retained five players apiece. Each franchise has been allocated an auction purse of Rs 42 lakh to build a squad of at least 15 players, with a maximum of Rs 17 lakh permitted for player retentions.

Player Categories and Auction Dynamics

The auction pool is structured across three categories, with nine marquee players placed in Category A, each having a base price of Rs 2.5 lakh. This elite group includes notable names such as Umesh Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Praful Hinge, Dhruv Shorey, Ravikumar Samarth, Darshan Nalkande, Nachiket Bhute, Dipesh Parwani, and Mandar Mahale. Harsh Dubey's inclusion is particularly noted for bringing valuable top-level experience to the franchise. Category B comprises 43 players with a base price of Rs 1.5 lakh, while Category C includes 74 players, each starting at a base price of Rs 1 lakh. The financial framework allows franchises to spend up to Rs 17 lakh on retentions, with any unspent amount from this allocation being added to their auction purse. This structure ensures a dynamic bidding process, aiming to create competitive and balanced teams for the season.

Franchise's Vision and Commitment

Siddharth Jaiswal, Director of Neco Defence Systems Pvt Ltd, expressed pride in welcoming a diverse array of talent to the NECO Master Blaster family. He articulated the franchise's commitment to cultivating an environment where players can perform with freedom while pursuing excellence. Jaiswal extended best wishes to both the men's and women's teams, hoping for a season marked by passion, unity, and a drive for glory. The franchise is also reinforcing its dedication to women's cricket, with the women's tournament set to run concurrently from June 1 to 14. An additional team, Pagariya Strikers, has been added to the women's competition this year, though there will be no auction for women players. This dual focus underscores the NECO Master Blaster's broader vision for cricket development within the Vidarbha region.

The bottom line

• Jitesh Sharma will captain the NECO Master Blaster team in the upcoming Vidarbha Premier League season.
• The VPL Season 2 Players’ Auction is scheduled for May 3, featuring 126 players.
• NECO Master Blaster aims to defend its championship title and win two trophies this season.
• The franchise has focused on a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, including Harsh Dubey.
• Each franchise has an auction purse of Rs 42 lakh and can spend a maximum of Rs 17 lakh on retained players.
• Nine marquee players, including Umesh Yadav, have a base price of Rs 2.5 lakh in Category A.