No Sanju Samson as Kerala announce squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Kerala have announced their squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, which is set to begin on Saturday, December 21. Sanju Samson, the team's star wicket-keeper batter, was a notable name missing from the squad.
Sanju Samson captained Kerala in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where they finished third in their group. However, their squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 does not include Samson.
According to a Kerala Cricket Association official (as reported by The Indian Express), Sanju Samson has opted out of the tournament for the initial matches. At the moment, there is no clarity on whether Samson will join the Kerala unit for the matches ahead or not.
After missing out on a spot in the knockouts of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 by a close margin, Kerala will be keen to better their performance in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Sanju Samson scored a brilliant 75 against Services in their opening Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy encounter. He then added just 61 runs in the next four innings. However, he has been in stupendous form in the recent past with his exceptional display for India in the T20I series against South Africa.
Kerala will definitely miss the services of the wicket-keeper batter early on and will hope he joins the squad as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, left-handed batter Sachin Baby is another notable name missing from their squad.
Kerala is placed in Group E alongside Bengal, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Baroda, and Bihar. The group stage matches are scheduled to be held from December 21 to January 5, 2025.
Kerala name Salman Nizar captain in absence of Sanju Samson
In the absence of Samson, Salman Nizar will lead Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
Kerala Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Salman Nizar (c), Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharudeen (wk), Shoun Roger, Anand Krishnan, Krishna Prasad, A Imran, Jalaj Saxena, A Sarvate, Sijomon J, Basil Thampi, Basil NP, Nidheesh MT, Edhen Tom, Sharafudeen, A Scaria, Vishweshwar, Vaisakh Chandran, Ajnas M (wk).