Vadodara: He had created a record of sorts by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the country on debut in the Ranji season 2010-11 for Baroda.
But left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt had quit Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) two seasons ago. However, after a short stint with Andhra Pradesh Ranji team, Bhatt is back to BCA again. He has joined Baroda team and is among the Ranji probables for the upcoming season.
BCA officials said that Bhargav had quit Baroda as he was ignored in team selection. He had told TOI after he got no-objection certificate (NOC) from BCA in 2016 that he decided to move out after not being picked up in some Ranji matches in 2015-16 season. Bhatt had been performing well for Andhra. However, he decided to shift to his home association this year and is playing in the KSCA All India Invitation tournament.
BCA secretary (in-charge), Snehal Parikh confirmed that Bhatt has re-joined the Baroda team. “Our boy is coming back and he is playing for Baroda team. It is good for him and as well as the BCA. Bhatt is a simple man and a team guy.” Bhatt had made a blistering debut when he bagged 47 wickets in the nine matches he played for Baroda in 2010-11.
However, the very next season, he was dropped for a match due to an average performance. The then association vice-president, Sanjay Patel had criticized the selectors severely for dropping Bhatt. Bhatt later played for Baroda team before calling it quits in 2016 after he was dropped from the team in the earlier season. BCA officials said that Bhatt’s comeback will help Baroda but he too has a competition from three other all-rounders, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh and Ninad Rathwa who are spin bowlers. Bhatt wasn’t available for comments.
