In a significant announcement for Kerala cricket, Sanju Samson has been appointed captain for the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Indian white-ball international will lead the state team in the Elite Group-A league matches to be contested in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8, 2025. This move comes shortly after Samson’s high-profile IPL trade to Chennai Super Kings. He will be looking to maintain his excellent form and build momentum towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host. The Kerala Cricket Association confirmed the captaincy and announced the squad’s departure for Lucknow on November 22nd. The team, coached by former India player Amay Khurasiya, also includes talents like Vignesh Puthur, Mohammed Azharuddeen M, and Rohan S Kunnummal. The full squad list highlights Samson’s leadership role, both as captain and wicket-keeper, for the upcoming domestic T20 campaign.
