Kerala SMAT 2024-25 Squad: Sanju Samson will captain Kerala in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy - Full List of Players, Schedule and Fixtures

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Kerala has announced a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad which will commence from November 23.

Sanju Samson has been named as the captain for the upcoming tournament, who is back in the domestic circuit after his heroics with India. Samson scored three centuries in the last five T20I matches for India, and will be aiming to continue his prowess with the Kerala team in the SMAT 2024-25.

Kerala's squad for SMAT 2024-25 presents a well-rounded mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent. The team will look to balance the experience of senior players like Sachin Baby, Vishnu Vinod, and Jalaj Saxena with the energy and potential of emerging players such as Abdul Bazith, Akhil Scaria, and Ajnas EM.

Key Players to Watch

Sanju Samson will be the focal attraction in the Kerala unit. But apart from the India star, there are ample names who can be tipped to make a big mark.

Sachin Baby: A stalwart of Kerala cricket, Sachin Baby brings immense experience and calmness to the middle order. Known for his ability to pace an innings and finish with power, Sachin will be a pivotal figure in Kerala's batting lineup.

Vishnu Vinod: An explosive wicketkeeper-batter, Vishnu Vinod adds firepower to Kerala's batting. His ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay and accelerate during the middle overs makes him a game-changer. With IPL experience under his belt, Vishnu will look to dominate opposition bowlers in the T20 format.

Salman Nizar: Salman Nizar has moulded into a dangerous player in recent times. The southpaw had a magnificent Kerala Cricket League and has now been drafted into the SMAT squad. He has also played some decent knocks in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing versatility.

Abdul Bazith: Abdul Bazith has shown glimpses of his potential in recent seasons. A dynamic all-rounder, he offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball. His athleticism in the field and bowling will be a big boost for Kerala in the tournament.

Akhil Scaria: A rising star in Kerala's bowling unit, Akhil Scaria has impressed with his ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure. His selection comes after a superb Kerala Cricket League outing, where he ended as the highest wicket-taker.

Kerala SMAT 2024 Schedule and Fixtures

Kerala has been placed in Group E, with their group-stage matches scheduled to be held in Hyderabad. Their campaign begins with a match against Services on November 23.

Kerala SMAT 2024 Squad

Sanju Samson (c), Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Jalaj Saxena, Vishnu Vinod, Mohammad Azharuddeen (wk), Basil Thampi, Salman Nizar, Abdul Bazith, Akhil Scaria, Ajnas EM, Sijomon Joseph, Midhun S, Vaisakh Chandran, Vinod Kumar CV, Basil NP, Sharafudeen NM, Nidheesh MD