Bhubaneswar: Kerala’s 2025-26 Ranji Trophy squad announcement has one headline-maker: Sanju Samson is back in red-ball action. After a long break from first-class cricket, the India wicketkeeper-batter will don Kerala colours once again, and his return adds a dash of star power to the state’s campaign.
Why the Return Matters
Samson skipped both the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup this season, so this match marks his first red-ball outing of the year. His last first-class appearance came against Karnataka in October of the previous season. Kerala will welcome him when they open against Maharashtra on October 15 in Thiruvananthapuram.
But it’s not just about his bat or gloves — Samson is being managed carefully. The Kerala Cricket Association has handed Mohammed Azharuddeen the captaincy, citing continuity in leadership while Samson prepares for international duty in Australia for the T20Is.
Kerala’s New Script
Captain: Mohammed Azharuddeen (promoted, replacing Sachin Baby)
Vice-captain: Baba Aparajith (guest player)
Squad core: Rohan S Kunnummal, Vathsal Govind, Akshay Chandran, Salman Nizar, along with a mix of promising pacers and spinners.
Kerala, riding high after reaching the Ranji Trophy final last season, hope Samson’s return helps them take the next step. The leadership structure shows a clear plan — managing workload while investing in long-term direction.
In short, Kerala have rolled out the red carpet for Samson’s red-ball return. But they’re also ensuring the campaign doesn’t revolve solely around him. This blend of star power and stable leadership could make for an intriguing season ahead.
Discussion about this post