Kerala has officially announced its squad for the first two matches of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, set to kick off with a home match against Punjab on Friday, October 11. The team is looking to make a strong start to the domestic season under the captaincy of Sachin Baby, who will lead the side with a focus on building momentum early in the tournament. In a notable change for this season, former India player Amay Khurasiya has been appointed as the head coach of the Kerala team, bringing his extensive experience to guide the players.
One of the significant absentees from the squad is star batsman Sanju Samson. Currently representing India in their series against Bangladesh, Samson will not be available for the initial matches, leaving a gap in the batting lineup that Kerala will need to fill. In his absence, Vishnu Vinod and Basil Thampi have been included in the squad, along with Mohd Azharuddeen, who will also contribute to the team in the opening fixtures.
This season provides a valuable opportunity for Salman Nizar, who has been in exceptional form during the recently concluded Kerala Cricket League (KCL). His impressive performances in the KCL have earned him a spot in the squad, and fans will be eager to see how he translates his domestic success onto the bigger stage of the Ranji Trophy. Additionally, Tamil Nadu player Baba Aparajith has switched allegiance to Kerala and will be part of the squad for the first two matches, adding depth to the batting order.
The pace bowling department will be spearheaded by Basil Thampi, known for his ability to deliver impactful performances. He will be supported by the likes of Asif KM and Fazil Fanoos, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the bowling attack. While the team looks strong on paper, it is worth noting that Akhil Scaria and Sharafuddeen, despite having good outings in the KCL, have not made the final squad. Their exclusion highlights the competitive nature of the selection process and the depth of talent available in Kerala cricket.
As the team prepares for its opening match against Punjab, all eyes will be on how they adapt to the challenges of the Ranji Trophy, especially in light of the absence of key players like Sanju Samson. With Sachin Baby at the helm and a blend of experienced players and newcomers, Kerala aims to establish a solid footing in this season's tournament and make a significant impact on the domestic cricket scene.
