Star batsman and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson is now touring Bangladesh with the national team in preparation for the Bangladesh trip of India in 2024. He will play in a three-match Twenty20 International series beginning on Sunday, October 6.
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has revealed their 15-man team for the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 first round. Due to his national obligations, Samson was not taken into consideration by the Sachin Baby-led team. The 29-year-old will, according to CricTracker, be back to lead Kerala in the games of the second round.
On the request for anonymity, a source verified Sanju Samson availability.
The stumper-batter would therefore be better off honing his craft on the domestic circuit and earning valuable playing time in advance of the November T20 series against South Africa.
It’s important to note that Samson has been playing well in domestic competitions. He proved his batting prowess in the recently finished Duleep Trophy, amassing 196 runs at a fast strike-rate of 95.60 and a good average of 49.00 in two games. During his time in the Duleep Trophy, he scored an incredible century against India B in the Anantapur final round.
Kerala and Karnataka will play in Round 2:
Returning to the Ranji Trophy, Kerala’s match against Karnataka, its neighbours, is scheduled to begin on October 18 at KSCA Three Ovals Stadium in Alur. This match in Group C will be significant for the Trivandrum native, since it could lead to opportunities in Red Ball, an international competition in which he has not yet made his debut.
However, southpaw Baby has been selected as the captain for the first-round match at the St. Xavier’s College Ground in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, in Samson’s absence.
Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala announce team for maiden Ranji Trophy clash; Sachin Baby to lead
The match will take place against a formidable Punjab lineup. The four-day match is scheduled to begin on October 11 and Kerala will be eager to start their campaign strong.
Kerala squad for Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Round 1: Sachin Baby (c), Mohammed Azharuddeen, Vishnu Vinod, Baba Aparajith, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, KM Asif, Basil Thampi, MD Nidheesh, Akshay Chandran, Fazil Fanoos, Vathsal Govind, Krishna Prasad, Rohan Kunnummal, Salman Nizar
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