Sanju Samson is riding high after his maiden T20 century against Bangladesh in the third and last T20I. Samson’s century helped India secure one of their biggest victories in T20 cricket.
The 29 year old has been a revelation in the shortest format having guided Rajasthan Royals to the finals in 2022. He has also been one of the consistent run scorers in the IPL and has now stamped his authority in the T20Is.
After his heroics in international cricket, Sanju is all set to participate in the Ranji Trophy. The wicketkeeper batter has joined the Kerala Cricket Team and will participate in the next match against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy which will be played at the Alur Cricket Stadium starting October 18.
In Sanju’s absence, Sachin Baby was handed the baton but now it is expected the Royals captain will be handed over the charge. Kerala made a good start to their Ranji Trophy campaign having beaten Punjab St. Xavier’s College Ground in Trivandrum in the opening match.
Sanju’s inclusion will definitely boost Kerala’s chances in Group C which also includes Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Sanju’s participation in this match could play a vital role in his selection for the South Africa T20I series.
Alongside Samson fast bowler pacer Basil NP has also joined Kerala. Samson’s availability means Mohammed Azharuddeen will have to sit out the game. Sanju was also a part of the triumphant ICC T20 World Cup squad but wasn’t involved in any of the matches in the tournament.
Kerala Ranji Trophy squad
Sanju Samson , Sachin Baby, Mohammed Azharuddeen , Vishnu Vinod, KM Asif, Basil Thampi, Baba Aparajith, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Akshay Chandran, Fazil Fanoos, Vathsal Govind, Krishna Prasad, Rohan Kunnummal, Salman Nizar, Basil NP.
