Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Sanju Samson will play for Kerala in Round 2, but not as captain

Sanju Samson, the star wicket-keeper batsman, is scheduled to play in the second round of the coveted Ranji Trophy with his home club, Kerala. Following his outstanding performance in the most recent Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh, in which he struck an incredible 40-ball century in the third Twenty20 International in Hyderabad, Samson was added to the team.

It is anticipated that the 29-year-old, who was left out of Kerala’s first-round roster, will rejoin the group. Though spin-bowling all-rounder Aditya Sarvate won Player of the Match for his nine-wicket haul in the inaugural round at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, when he led Kerala to an eight-wicket victory over Punjab, Sachin Baby will continue to hold the reins of leadership.

Speaking about the second round, Kerala’s second encounter of the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 would pit them against Karnataka. Since Karnataka’s top home field, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, is occupied hosting the first Test between India and New Zealand for the upcoming three-match series, the four-day encounter is scheduled to start on Friday, October 18, at the KSCA Three Ovals Stadium in Alur.

I think I possess the abilities necessary to be successful in red-ball cricket: Sanju Samson

Samson has been a reliable player in domestic cricket; in four Ranji Trophy games last season, he amassed 177 runs at an average of 35.40. Earlier this year, he played in two Duleep Trophy matches and amassed 196 runs in four innings, including a spectacular 106 against India B. In the meantime, he stated his wish to play Test cricket for India in a recent interview with The Hindu.

I don’t want to be limited to playing only white-ball cricket; I think I have the ability set to be successful in red-ball cricket. I want to represent India in Test matches. Samson stated, “The leadership group had informed me that they were considering me for red-ball cricket prior to the Duleep Trophy and asked me to take it seriously and play more Ranji Trophy matches.”

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Round 1, Day 4 Review

Kerala will play Karnataka away in Alur in their upcoming Ranji Trophy match. With Samson’s presence possibly giving them an advantage, the club will try to build on their impressive season-opening performance.