‘After Hardik Pandya, no big name from Vadodara’:Players failing to move up to zonal and national teams, says Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad

Ahead of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections scheduled for February 15, the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group held a show of strength on Sunday, February 1, at Sayaji Vihar Club in Vadodara. The meeting witnessed a strong turnout of BCA members and prominent figures from cricket and public life. The event was attended by Royal Satyamev Jayate Group’s presidential candidate Darshan Banker, Royal Group leader and Maharaja of Vadodara Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, former BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel, along with Anant Indulkar, Jatin Vakil and several senior BCA members. Addressing the gathering, speakers from the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group alleged that cricket standards in Vadodara have declined sharply over the past decade. They claimed that after Hardik Pandya, the city has failed to produce any major cricketer capable of breaking into the zonal or national teams. They also accused the rival Revival Group of mismanaging cricket affairs in the association. ‘Our vision is to improve cricket and ensure transparency’ Presidential candidate Darshan Banker said the meeting marked the group’s first direct interaction with BCA members. “We clearly laid out what we want to do in the BCA and what has gone wrong so far. Despite the short notice, the enthusiasm among members has been overwhelming,” he said. Banker highlighted three core issues. “The standard of cricket in Vadodara has fallen drastically over the last 10 years. After Hardik Pandya, no big name has emerged from the city. The number of Vadodara players getting selected for the IPL is also declining. Moreover, the team has not reached the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals for the past 14 years,” he said.
“Our focus is on bringing transparency to cricket administration and actively involving former cricketers in decision-making,” Banker added. Stadium facilities and management under scanner Leaders of the group also raised concerns over stadium infrastructure and management. They said BCA members are often forced to stand in long queues for tickets, which is unacceptable in the present day.
“There is no proper seating arrangement for members. They are made to sit on plastic chairs, while non-members are accommodated in boxes. This situation must change. Stadium facilities and overall management need urgent improvement,” they said. ‘Many new faces in the fray this time’ Royal Satyamev Jayate Group leader Samarjitsinh Gaekwad said elections are vital to maintain democracy in any association. “This is the first truly open election after the implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations. Many former office bearers, including myself, are no longer eligible to contest, which is why there are several new faces this time,” he said. Gaekwad noted that around 200 members attended the meeting. “Our campaign is in full swing, and there is visible excitement among members,” he added. Concerns over election timing and player growth Gaekwad also questioned the timing of the polls, pointing out that elections are usually held in September but have been scheduled this time on Mahashivratri. “This is an administrative issue that needs consideration,” he said. He further said that another concern raised by senior members is the nomination of family members as successors in the association. “Most importantly, players are not able to progress to zonal or national teams. We are contesting the election with these key issues at the centre of our agenda,” he added. The BCA elections will be held on February 15, coinciding with Mahashivratri.