In a surprising twist, star cricketer Sanju Samson has been left out of Kerala’s 19-member squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This exclusion comes despite his stellar performances in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led the team in five out of six matches, scoring 136 runs at a brisk strike rate of 149.45.
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) attributed his omission to his absence from a crucial three-day preparatory camp in Wayanad. KCA Secretary Vinod S clarified that only those who attended the camp were considered for selection.
In Samson’s absence, Salman Nizar has been appointed captain of the Kerala squad, which includes seasoned players like Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, and Mohammed Azharuddeen. Kerala finds itself in Group E, alongside strong competitors like Baroda, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Bengal, Tripura, and Bihar. Their campaign kicks off on December 23 in Hyderabad with a match against Baroda.
This decision has ignited debates among cricket fans, highlighting the KCA’s emphasis on team protocols and preparation over star power. Samson’s exclusion is a talking point, given his consistent leadership and recent form.
