Gujarat, January 21, 2026 – The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections have taken a dramatic turn, with the Royals formally merging into the self-proclaimed cricket crusaders of Satyamev Jayate, creating a syndicate that’s more reheated leftovers than fresh revolution. Nicknamed “Chinese Bhel” for its eclectic, mismatched blend of old-school power players and reformist rhetoric, this alliance is stirring up Vadodara’s cricket scene like never before. As nominations wrap up and the February 15 vote looms, the buzz is all about how this fusion might fizzle under its own contradictions.
Leading the charge is Dr. Darshan Banker, the Vadodara-based cardiologist who founded Satyamev Jayate as a crusading force for transparency and accountability in the BCA. From the outset, Banker and his group lambasted the establishment for opaque finances, mismanagement, and a lack of openness – accusations that echoed through chaotic AGMs and court battles. “Satyamev Jayate,” or “truth shall prevail,” became their battle cry, positioning them as outsiders ready to clean house. But in a stunning reversal, Banker’s crew has now absorbed the Royal Group, led by royal scion and ex-cricketer Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, along with a vice-presidential pick from the rival Revival faction. The result? A slate dominated by Royals’ veterans, with a smattering of ex-Revival figures, turning the “crusaders” into a mirror image of the very system they vowed to dismantle.
The irony is palpable: these “same old faces” – many of whom held key BCA roles during the Royal-Revival alliance that governed from 2020 to 2026 – are now projected as the harbingers of change. For six years, this coalition oversaw stadium revamps along with pension for ex cricketers and their family , youth development programs, and tournament expansions etc. Banker’s group once pointed fingers at these exact individuals for fostering the lack of transparency they decry. Now, with the syndicate featuring a majority from the Royals and a high-profile VP defector Chirayush I.Patel (Montu)from Revival, those accusations ring hollow. Critics argue it’s like complaining about the pitch while fielding the same team – the candidates’ deep ties to the past administration undermine any claim to fresh, unbiased oversight. “How can you promise transparency when your panel is stacked with insiders who’ve been part of the opaque machinery?” asked one BCA insider, capturing the skepticism rippling through Vadodara’s cricket circles.
Adding to the “Chinese Bhel” chaos, the alliance lacks a single cricketer in its ranks, despite desperate outreach to players and coaches. Sources reveal fervent attempts to lure the cricket community with visions of reform, but the response was a resounding no. Instead, the fraternity has thrown its weight behind the Revival Group, led by incumbent President Pranav Amin, citing stability and proven results. “We’ve seen real progress under Revival – why switch to a repackaged version of the same?” echoed a local coach. The breakdown of earlier Revival-Royal talks over power-sharing only accelerated the Royals’ pivot to Satyamev, but it hasn’t masked the syndicate’s recycled composition. On the other side the cricketing fraternity have openly supported Revival group, with ex international wicket keeper Kiran More contesting as President from Revival camp.
The election theater hit fever pitch with 168 nominations flooding in, scrutiny sessions sparking tension, and 63 contesting elections.
Will this “Chinese Bhel” satisfy voters craving genuine change, or expose the crusaders as opportunists? Revival’s camp dismisses it as empty posturing, while supporters hope the merger injects new energy. As ballots approach, Vadodara watches closely; after all, in cricket and politics, the scoreboard tells the tale. Stay tuned for the final innings. of backroom deals and dinner-table diplomacy. Yet, as Vadodara hums with anticipation, the stakes extend beyond local turf: BCA’s BCCI links influence player pathways, funding, and Gujarat’s cricketing clout.
Will this “Chinese Bhel” satisfy voters craving genuine change, or expose the crusaders as opportunists? Revival’s camp dismisses it as empty posturing, while supporters hope the merger injects new energy. One local fan summed it up: “It’s a soap opera on the pitch – full of twists, but will truth really prevail?” As ballots approach, Vadodara watches closely; after all, in cricket and politics, the scoreboard tells the tale. Stay tuned for the final innings.
