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Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Kerala has announced its squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26, with star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson appointed as captain. The tournament will begin on November 26 in Lucknow, where Kerala will compete in Elite Group A.
This development comes at an interesting time for Samson, who recently made headlines after being traded from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the next IPL season.
Ahead of IPL 2026, he will represent the five-time IPL champions, adding a fresh chapter to his IPL career. Now, he returns to the domestic circuit with the responsibility of leading Kerala’s side.
Sally Samson also part of the squad
Sanju Samson’s brother, Sally Samson, has also been named in the Kerala squad. Both siblings previously played together in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), where Sally captained the Kochi Blue Tigers during Season 2.
Ahmed Imran has been named vice-captain, while Vignesh Puthur and Vishnu Vinod have also been included in the squad. Star KCL bowler Akhil Scaria, the league’s top wicket-taker for the last two seasons, also finds a place in the lineup.
Kerala is placed in Group A, which includes Chandigarh, Odisha, Vidarbha, Railways, Andhra Pradesh, and Mumbai. The team will begin its tournament against Odisha on November 26, with all group matches scheduled to be played in Lucknow. The squad has already departed for Lucknow on November 22.
Kerala's squad for SMAT 2025
Sanju V Samson (C)(WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh M.D, Asif KM, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N., Ankit Sharma, Krishna Devan R.J, Abdul Bazith P.A, Sharafuddeen N.M, Sibin P Gireesh, Krishna Prasad, Saly V Samson, Vignesh Puthur, Salman Nizar.
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