The domestic cricket landscape in India is constantly evolving, with state teams reshaping their squads ahead of another competitive season. In the latest development, seasoned left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma has officially obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP). This administrative clearance opens the door for a likely transfer to Kerala, a move that could have a significant impact on both teams in the upcoming season.
South Zone have named Puducherry allrounder Ankit Sharma and Andhra top-order batter Shaik Rasheed as replacements for Tilak Varma and R Sai Kishore for the Duleep Trophy semi-final https://t.co/QpMMnATP4j
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 1, 2025
Ankit Sharma: A Veteran of Indian Domestic Cricket
At 34 years of age, Ankit Sharma represents a rare breed of cricketers who have persisted through India’s challenging domestic structure while continuing to contribute meaningfully. Born in Madhya Pradesh, Sharma rose through the ranks of his home state team, showcasing his skills as a classical left-arm orthodox spinner capable of containing runs and striking at crucial intervals.
Over his career, Sharma has played in 68 first-class matches, a testimony to both his longevity and consistency. His domestic career reflects not just raw numbers, but also the value he brings as an experienced campaigner who can adapt to varying pitches and formats.
- First-class cricket: 68 matches, with multiple five-wicket hauls highlighting his wicket-taking ability.
- Puducherry stint: 17 matches, where he scalped 49 wickets, playing a central role in the team’s bowling plans.
- List A and T20 formats: 25 combined matches, where he demonstrated adaptability, claiming 12 wickets in List A and 11 in T20s for Puducherry.
These numbers may not place him among India’s most glamorous names, but within the domestic circuit, they underscore the role of steady professionals who form the backbone of state teams.
The Puducherry Chapter: Contribution and Transition
When Ankit Sharma moved to Puducherry, it was part of a broader BCCI initiative that allowed professional players to join emerging cricketing centers. Puducherry, a relatively new entrant in India’s domestic scene, benefitted from his experience both on and off the field. His inclusion added credibility to the squad, particularly in red-ball cricket where his ability to bowl long spells and exploit fourth- and fifth-day pitches proved invaluable.
Beyond statistics, Sharma also served as a mentor figure, guiding young bowlers who were adjusting to the demands of competitive cricket. For a team like Puducherry, where grooming local talent is as important as competing, his presence filled multiple roles.
Now, with his departure, Puducherry is preparing for life without their senior spinner. Promising left-arm all-rounder Sidak Singh is expected to take on a larger role, while other professionals like Puneet Datey, Jayant Yadav, and Diddhant Adhatrao have been drafted to provide depth and stability.
Why Kerala Wants Ankit Sharma
The potential move to Kerala is not without reason. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has been working steadily to elevate the team’s performance in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. While Kerala has produced batting talents such as Sanju Samson and strong pace options in recent years, their spin department has often lacked the same level of depth.
Ankit Sharma offers Kerala three things:
- Experience in pressure situations – With more than a decade in first-class cricket, he understands how to control sessions, especially in low-scoring encounters.
- Mentorship potential – Younger spinners in Kerala’s system could benefit from training and playing alongside him, gaining practical insights into bowling strategies.
- Multi-format adaptability – His ability to contribute across formats means Kerala can count on him not just in Ranji Trophy four-day games but also in limited-overs tournaments.
A Kerala official confirmed that discussions are ongoing:
“We have interviewed Ankit. He came down to Kerala for an interaction, but no final decision has been taken yet.”
This statement indicates that while the door is open, the final call rests with Kerala’s selection committee and management team.
Broader Trends: Player Movement in Domestic Cricket
Ankit Sharma’s case is part of a larger pattern in Indian domestic cricket where experienced players move between states, often from established teams to newer or mid-tier teams that are seeking balance. The BCCI’s professional player policy has allowed such mobility, ensuring that smaller teams gain from the experience of seasoned cricketers.
For players, these moves extend careers and provide opportunities to continue playing at a high level even when younger prospects replace them in their original home sides. For teams, it brings a combination of immediate on-field benefits and long-term developmental advantages.
Notable examples in recent years include several Ranji Trophy regulars shifting to teams like Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, helping these sides gain exposure and competitiveness. Ankit Sharma’s shift from Puducherry to Kerala falls into the same narrative, though Kerala is a more established team compared to some of the newer entrants.
Kerala’s Prospects with Sharma in the Squad
If Kerala finalizes the signing, Sharma could slot directly into the middle overs of their bowling unit. His control and ability to apply pressure would complement Kerala’s pace attack, allowing them to strike a better balance.
In four-day cricket, his spells on turning tracks in Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi could prove decisive in home games. In the shorter formats, where Kerala has sometimes struggled to contain opposition batting in the middle overs, Sharma’s variations and experience could help reduce leakage of runs.
Additionally, Kerala could use him strategically as a senior statesman in the dressing room, providing leadership to younger bowlers and adding maturity to their bowling strategies.
Puducherry’s Future Without Sharma
While Puducherry is losing one of its key professionals, the team has already lined up replacements. Sidak Singh, who has shown promise as a left-arm all-rounder, is likely to receive greater responsibility. Moreover, with players like Jayant Yadav, an India international with experience, Puducherry will not be short of leadership and skill.
The challenge, however, will be maintaining consistency without a steady figure like Sharma, who has been a constant presence in their bowling attack for multiple seasons. His absence may force Puducherry to rely more on local talent, which could be beneficial in the long term but will require patience.
A Career Still Offering More
Despite being in his mid-thirties, Sharma is far from winding down his cricketing journey. Left-arm spinners often age gracefully in cricket, with guile and experience compensating for any dip in physical sharpness. For Kerala, acquiring a bowler who knows the grind of Indian pitches could be a short-term solution with long-term benefits.
Sharma also carries the distinction of having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented teams such as the Rajasthan Royals. Even if his IPL career was not long-lasting, the exposure to high-pressure games and world-class players adds to his credentials. That knowledge can trickle down into Kerala’s dressing room, benefitting players across the squad.
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#DuleepTrophy South Zone squad update
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 31, 2025
OUT – Tilak Varma (Asia Cup) & Sai Kishore (Injury)
IN – Shaik Rasheed & Ankit Sharma pic.twitter.com/ACqZDYeztY
Conclusion
The cricketing fraternity now waits for the Kerala Cricket Association to finalize its decision. Should Kerala bring Ankit Sharma on board, it would not only bolster their bowling attack but also reinforce their ambition to compete strongly across formats.
For Sharma, the move represents another chapter in a career built on persistence, adaptability, and professionalism. From Madhya Pradesh to Puducherry and now potentially Kerala, his journey reflects the broader story of Indian domestic cricket — one where experience continues to find value, and transitions between states enrich the competition.
As the new season approaches, both Kerala and Puducherry will feel the ripple effects of this move. Puducherry will look to groom fresh talent to replace his contributions, while Kerala might just find in Sharma the missing piece of experience they have been searching for.
