Saly Samson-led Kerala set to face Oman in T20 series

The Kerala senior men’s cricket squad, led by all-rounder Saly Samson, will go to Oman later this month for a series of Twenty20 practice matches. According to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), the 16-member squad was selected among exceptional performances from the Kerala Cricket League’s recently finished 2025 season. From September 22 to 25, the team will play three T20 matches against the Oman national team.

Kerala will be returning to Oman for the second time, having previously visited in 2023. Earlier in April, a squad led by Mohammed Azharuddeen played a five-match one-day series against the same opponent. However, this time around, the squad makeup has changed. Sachin Baby, the Ranji Trophy captain from Kerala, and India’s Sanju Samson will not go on tour.

Vishnu Vinod, who has played in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians, is also a significant member of the 16-man squad. Other Ranji regulars, including Salman Nizar, Azharuddeen, Rohan S. Kunnummal, and pacer M. D. Nidheesh, have also been kept out due to domestic commitments. Sebastian Antony will be the side’s coach.

Skipper Saly Samson, the elder brother of India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, was a noteworthy performer in the recent KCL season.

He led Kochi Blue Tigers to its first league title, delivering consistent all-around performances. In the T20 league’s championship match, he was instrumental in sealing a 75-run victory over Kollam Sailors.

Kerala tour of Oman 2025 team

Krishna Prasad, Vishnu Vinod (WK), Ajnas M, Vinoop S Manoharan, Saly Samson, Akhil Scaria, Sibin P Gireesh, Anfal P M, Krishna Devan R J, Jerin P S, Sijomon Joesph, Muhammed Ashiq, Asif K M, Abdul Bazith P A, Arjuna A K (WK), Ajayaghosh N S

Oman are currently competing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE but have endured a difficult start. In the tournament opener against Pakistan, they suffered a heavy 93-run defeat, failing to chase a modest target of 161 runs. Oman are now up against the UAE in their second group fixture and will be desperate to secure a win to open their account in the continental event. Their final group-stage match will be against India on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.