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In a pivotal development for Kerala, Sanju Samson has been named the captain of their team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The tournament is set to begin on November 23, with the final scheduled for December 15. Kerala will look to make a strong impression under Samson’s dynamic leadership.
Samson, fresh off a stellar performance in the T20I series against South Africa, brings a wealth of experience to the Kerala side. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was one of India’s standout performers in the four-match series, smashing two centuries that played a crucial role in India’s 3-1 victory.
Kerala find themselves in Group E of the tournament, with all its group-stage matches slated to be held in Hyderabad. Their campaign will kick off against Services on the opening day, November 23. This marks Samson’s return to domestic cricket following his participation in the Duleep Trophy 2024, where he represented India D.
Kerala’s squad: A blend of youth and experience
Kerala’s squad for SMAT 2024 features a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. Alongside Samson, experienced names like Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal and Jalaj Saxena will anchor the batting lineup. Vishnu Vinod and Mohammad Azharudeen add depth to the batting unit, while the bowling attack will be spearheaded by Basil Thampi and Midhun S.
The team also includes promising youngsters like Abdul Basith and Ajnas EM, who will aim to make their mark in the shortest format of the game. With a solid blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Kerala appears well-prepared for the challenges ahead and their performance in the SMAT 2024 will be closely watched, especially with Samson at the helm. The team is yet to win the prestigious domestic T20 competition, and this season offers a fresh opportunity to rewrite history.
Kerala’s squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Sanju Samson (c), Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Jalaj Saxena, Vishnu Vinod, Mohd. Azharudeen, Basil Thampi, S Nizar, Abdul Basith, A Scaria, Ajnas EM, Sijomon Joseph, Midhun S, Vaisakh Chandran, Vinod Kumar CV, Basil NP, Sharafudeen NM, Nidheesh MD
