[EXCLUSIVE] Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Sanju Samson to return to Kerala for second round. (Source – Getty Images)
Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is currently engaged with the national team for the Bangladesh tour of India 2024, where he will be seen participating in the three-match T20I series starting Sunday, October 06.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) announced its 15-member squad for the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Samson wasn’t considered in the Sachin Baby-led side owing to his national commitments. However, CricTracker understands that the 29-year-old will return to lead Kerala for the second round games.
A source confirmed on the request of anonymity that Samson is going to be available. As a result, it will only be wiser for the stumper-batter to fine tune himself in the domestic circuit by getting important game time ahead of the upcoming T20 series against South Africa in November.
It is worth mentioning that Samson has been in terrific touch in the domestic matches, and displayed his batting prowess in the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy, scoring 196 runs in two games at an impressive average of 49.00 and a pacey strike-rate of 95.60. His stint in the Duleep Trophy also included a sublime century against India B in the final round at Anantapur.
Also Check: Most Runs in Duleep Trophy 2024
Kerala to face Karnataka in Round 2:
Coming back to round two of the Ranji Trophy, Kerala will be facing neighbours Karnataka at Alur’s KSCA Three Ovals Stadium, starting October 18. This Group C clash will be crucial for the Trivandrum-born, as it may well open red-ball doors for him, an international format he is yet to debut in.
Nonetheless, in Samson’s absence, southpaw Baby has been chosen as the leader for the opening round game against a strong Punjab line-up at the St. Xavier’s College Ground in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. The game will be played from October 11 as a four-day fixture, and Kerala will be gunning to get their campaign off to a flying start.
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