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Sanju Samson returns as Kerala announce Ranji Trophy squad for 2025-26 season

Rajgeeta Yadav

Sanju Samson included in Kerala's squad for Ranji Trophy [Source: @SanjuSamsonFP/X.com]Sanju Samson included in Kerala's squad for Ranji Trophy [Source: @SanjuSamsonFP/X.com]

After Delhi and Bengal announced their squads for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, Kerala have also revealed its 15-member team. The biggest news is that Mohammed Azharuddeen has been named the new captain, replacing Sachin Baby, while Sanju Samson makes a comeback to the side after missing out last season.

Kerala name Baba Aparajith as the team's vice-captain

Azharuddeen, who had a strong Ranji Trophy campaign last year and also captained the South Zone team in the Duleep Trophy, will now lead a team that combines experience and young local talent. Baba Aparajith, an experienced domestic player, has joined Kerala as a guest player and will serve as vice-captain, adding depth to the middle order. Rohan S Kunnummal, one of Kerala’s most reliable openers, also keeps his place in the team.

The squad includes regulars like M D Nidheesh, Salman Nizar, and Vathsal Govind, along with guest players Ankit Sharma and Aparajith. The decision to make Aparajith vice-captain, despite the presence of senior players like Samson and Baby.

Sanju Samson, who is not part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia, is expected to play a few Ranji matches before joining the T20I team later in October. However, it’s still unclear how many games he will feature in for Kerala this season.

Kerala enters this season with confidence after a historic campaign last year, where they reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time. They finished as runners-up after a drawn final against Vidarbha, who won based on a first-innings lead (379 vs Kerala’s 342).

Kerala will kick off their new season at home against Maharashtra on October 15 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Squad announced for Ranji Trophy 2025:

Mohammed Azharuddeen (C), Baba Aparajith (VC), Sanju Samson, Rohan S Kunnummal, Vathsal Govind Sharma, Akshay Chandran, Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, Nidheesh MD, Basil NP, Edhen Apple Tom, Ahammed Imran, Shoun Roger, Abhishek P Nai