neco master blaster start vpl 2026 campaign with balanced squad and fearless approach
Defending champions NECO Master Blaster are set to begin their Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) 2026 campaign against Pagariya Strikers on June 1 at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha.
After winning the title in the inaugural edition, NECO Master Blaster enter the second season with a combination of experienced players and young talent. Led by wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, the team aims to build on last year’s success and maintain the fearless style of cricket that secured their championship, a press release stated.
The squad features a balanced mix of batting depth, all-round options, and a versatile bowling attack. Key players include captain Jitesh Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh, and Ananmay Jayaswal, who are expected to play significant roles throughout the tournament.
Mentor Abhishek Chourasia highlighted the team’s balance and positive dressing-room atmosphere as major strengths. He said the franchise prioritises creating a pressure-free environment where players can express themselves and enjoy their cricket while sustaining a winning mentality.
NECO Master Blaster will face Pagariya Strikers first before matches against Bharat Rangers (June 4), Orange Tigers (June 5), India Warriors (June 6), and Nagpur Heroz (June 8) in the league stage. With every team eager to challenge the defending champions, NECO Master Blaster aim to make an early impact and maintain their winning momentum.
In preparation for VPL 2026, NECO Master Blaster recently unveiled a new jersey and a power-packed team anthem in the presence of Prashant Vaidya, Chairman of the Vidarbha Premier League, who extended his best wishes to the squad.
The team will compete under the tagline ‘Jazba Jeet Ka’, symbolising the hunger, determination, and belief that motivates the defending champions.
With a title-winning core, talented youngsters, and a fearless approach, NECO Master Blaster are positioned as one of the teams to watch as VPL 2026 begins.
Squad: Jitesh Sharma (Captain), Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh, Ananmay Jayaswal, Vedant Dighade, Vaibhav Chandekar, Abhishek Gupta, Shantanu Rajput, Dipesh Parwani, Harsh Dubey, Avinash Jadhav, Arya Durugkar, Gaurav Dhoble, Gaurav Farde, Kush Khandelwal.
