Satish set for Vidarbha move

Ganesh Satish is set to move to Vidarbha for the 2014-15 domestic season because he was disappointed with the opportunities he got with Karnataka in the previous season. Satish had scored a century in the Ranji Trophy final, which Karnataka won by seven wickets.

"I think I didn't get a fair run in the last season, so there was uncertainty about my future," Satish told ESPNcricinfo. "I thought moving out and playing as a professional was the best thing for my career at the moment. Hope it comes off."

Satish, usually a No. 3 batsman, was pushed down the order by the Karnataka team management during their first triumphant Ranji Trophy campaign in 15 years. He was also dropped for the quarterfinal and semifinal, before returning for the final and making a hundred against Maharashtra.

"Basically, I couldn't play in my position for most of the season. I had to bat at No. 7 in quite a few games," Satish said. "And even after scoring a hundred in the final, I didn't get a good run in the one-dayers."

Satish said he decided to move after discussing the issue with Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Brijesh Patel. "He was very supportive and advised me to stay on. In the end, considering the stage of my career, I thought it was best to get a consistent run with a team in order to bring out the best in me and decided to move on."

After his debut season in 2008-09, in which he played only three games, Satish scored at least one century in each of his next five seasons. He scored 2445 runs for Karnataka in 66 innings at an average of 43.66.

"I am sure it's going to be a completely different challenge to play as a professional," Satish said. "Expectations would be a lot more but at least I will have a good chance to prove myself. There would be no uncertainty about my position in the team, so it would be up to me to justify it and I am looking forward to it."

Vidarbha, who are part of the Central Zone, have been investing in professionals in the recent past. In the last year they hired former India batsman Hemang Badani and prolific domestic batsman Rashmi Parida.

After their poor run in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy, where they finished seventh in Group A, the Vidarbha Cricket Association officials sacked Sairaj Bahutule as coach and brought in Paras Mhambrey as his replacement. VCA president Prakash Dixit said the professional signings for the coming season were still not finalised.