The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) on Saturday announced the state squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26, confirming that star wicket-keeper-batter Sanju Samson will captain the side in the domestic T20 tournament. The Elite Group-A league stage will be held in Lucknow from 26 November to 8 December, and the Kerala contingent departed for the venue on 22 November from Indore.
Samson to lead an experienced Kerala outfit
With Samson at the helm, Kerala will look to deliver a strong showing in the high-profile tournament. The 30-year-old brings considerable experience to the side, both as a senior India player and an established performer in the IPL. The squad features a blend of proven names and emerging talents, with Ankit Sharma, Vishnu Vinod and Ahammed Imran expected to play pivotal roles.
KCA officials expressed confidence that Samson’s leadership will provide the team with stability and tactical clarity during the short-format campaign.
Samson eyes form ahead of T20 international commitments
The tournament also serves as an important platform for Samson as he gears up for a crucial phase in his T20 career. He was part of the Indian team that lifted the Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan in the final in Dubai. The Kerala skipper, who has been in good touch in the shorter formats, is keen to maintain his rhythm ahead of India’s upcoming T20I assignments.
Samson is also entering a new chapter in the IPL. In a major off-season move, he was traded from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings and will represent the five-time champions from the 2026 season. With a shift to a different franchise environment, cricket analysts believe Samson’s role at CSK could significantly influence his career trajectory.
Additionally, the senior batter remains a strong contender for a place in India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, and a consistent run in domestic cricket will further boost his chances.
Full Kerala squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26
The Kerala squad announced by KCA is as follows:
Sanju V Samson (C)(WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh M.D, Asif KM, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N, Ankit Sharma, Krishna Devan R.J, Abdul Bazith P.A, Sharafuddeen N.M, Sibin P Gireesh, Krishna Prasad, Saly V Samson, Vignesh Puthur, Salman Nizar.
Kerala aim for breakthrough season
Kerala have shown encouraging progress in white-ball cricket in recent years and will hope to make a strong run in this edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With a settled leadership group, a balanced squad and Samson’s experience, the team is considered one of the squads capable of surprising bigger domestic sides.
The tournament in Lucknow is expected to offer competitive surfaces and high-scoring conditions, providing a challenging test for Kerala’s bowlers and aggressive opportunities for the batting unit.