India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is set to feature for Kerala in their opening match of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season against Maharashtra. The match begins on October 15 at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
This will be Samson’s first red-ball appearance of the season after skipping both the Duleep Trophy and the Irani Cup. The 30-year-old last played a first-class match in October 2024 against Karnataka.
Leadership Change: Azharuddeen Takes Charge
Kerala will enter the new season with Mohammed Azharuddeen as captain, replacing Sachin Baby, who led the team to last season’s Ranji Trophy final. Azharuddeen, who also captained South Zone in the recent Duleep Trophy, will be supported by Baba Aparajith as vice-captain.
A KCA source told PTI:
“We have appointed Azharuddeen as captain considering the future as Sanju will be travelling to Australia for T20Is. We were looking for continuity in the leadership role.”
Samson to Miss Mid-Season Rounds
Samson’s leadership duties were passed on to Azharuddeen as the wicketkeeper-batter will join India’s T20I squad for the five-match away series against Australia from October 29 to November 8. The series schedule clashes with the second, third, and fourth rounds of the Ranji Trophy.
Kerala Strengthen Their Core
Baba Aparajith, who moved from Tamil Nadu to Kerala ahead of the previous season, has been appointed vice-captain. The team will look to build on their impressive 2024 campaign with a strong mix of experienced batters and all-rounders.
Kerala is placed in Elite Group B alongside Karnataka, Punjab, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Goa.
Kerala Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26
- Mohammed Azharuddeen (C)
- Baba Aparajith (VC)
- Sanju Samson
- Sachin Baby
- Rohan S Kunnumal
- Vathsal Govind
- Akshay Chandran
- Salman Nizar
- Ankit Sharma
- MD Nidheesh
- Basil NP
- Edhen Apple Tom
- Ahammed Imran
- Shoun Roger
- Abhishek P Nair
Head Coach: Amay Khurasiya
A Crucial Season for Kerala
With Samson returning to red-ball cricket and Azharuddeen stepping into a full-time leadership role, Kerala will be aiming to go one step further after reaching the final last year. Their balanced squad gives them a solid chance to make a strong start against Maharashtra.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
