Mon Nov 25 10:14:16 UTC 2024: ## Sanju Samson to Lead Strong Kerala Squad in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
**Kochi:** Kerala cricket fans will have another opportunity to witness Sanju Samson in action as he returns to the state to captain the Kerala team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With no further white-ball series scheduled for India this year, the tournament provides the sole chance for fans to see Samson play domestically.
Kerala is fielding a powerful squad for the prestigious tournament, considered one of the most important domestic T20 competitions. Besides Samson, the team boasts explosive batsmen like Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Muhammed Azharuddeen, and Vishnu Vinod, making them strong contenders for the title. A formidable bowling line-up led by Basil Thampi and MD Nidheesh further strengthens their chances.
Kerala is placed in Group E alongside Maharashtra, Services, Mumbai, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland. Their first match is against Services on November 23rd, with the final group stage match against Andhra Pradesh on December 3rd. The top 10 teams from the group stage will advance to the pre-quarterfinals, starting December 9th. Quarterfinals and semifinals will be held on December 11th and 13th respectively, culminating in the final on December 15th.
**Kerala Squad:** Sanju Samson (Captain, Wicket-keeper), Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Jalaj Saxena, Vishnu Vinod, Muhammed Azharuddeen, Basil Thampi, Salman Nizar, Abdul Basith, Akhil Scaria, Ajnas EM, Sijomon Joseph, S Mithun, Vaishnav Chandran, CV Vinod Kumar, NP Basil, NM Sharfudheen, MD Nidheesh.
First Piper 