'Sanju Samson is a Dream': Sony Cheruvathur’s Homecoming at Alleppey Ripples for KCL, Ready for Next Step as 'Sanju' pursuit Intensifies | Exclusive

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As season two of the Kerala Cricket League beckons, the curtain raiser is set to be on July 5, as the auction takes place for the franchise tournament.

Ahead of the new season, a significant change in personnel has taken place, as Alleppey Ripples have appointed former Kerala star Sony Cheruvathur as head coach.

Cheruvathur, who was part of the Trivandrum Royals last season, has shifted his base, this time with a bigger role as head coach. An esteemed player for Kerala in his playing days, Cheruvathur's appointment as the Alleppey coach is a homecoming for him, from where it started.

"It all started for me at Alleppey, and now, after all these years, it feels good to be back as head coach for an Alleppey team," says Cheruvathur in an exclusive chat with MyKhel.

KCL, in its second season, is expected to make a big mark in the ecosystem of Kerala cricket, which has thrived in recent times. Last year, the success in KCL saw the emergence of Vignesh Puthur, who went on to do wonders for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025. And Cheruvathur says the general dynamics has taken a major boost with the arrival of the league.

"One thing which is very sure is the kind of enthusiasm and excitement that has created in the cricket circle in Kerala. The whole KCL and concept of franchise cricket, the big stage, live matches have created a bit of excitement among the players. So, they have some hope now. KCL has done a great job in promoting it on the whole cricketing scene. Of course, state matches still need a lot of pride and respect and stuff like that, but again, KCL has given a bit of light for those players who feel like they can still make it big."

Cheruvathur has been in the Kerala Ranji circle as a support staff and has honed his skills as a coach for different teams. Ahead of the big debut as head coach in a franchise tournament, he remains confident of living up to the expectations.

"In terms of managing the players, I don't think it's a big challenge. But again, of course, creating a space for everyone, including the support staff, which is one of my strengths, and I am happy to accept that challenge. Bowling or batting, whatever coach you are, your job is to just create that environment for the players. We've got a good management, who can create that space for the players."

The added incentive for Kerala Cricket League Season 2 is the arrival of Sanju Samson. The prized asset of Kerala is set to appear in the auction. Although Samson was not part of the first season, his inclusion will further enhance the exposure of the tournament. And with Sanju available at the auction, teams will be circling for his signature in the auction. And when it comes to the Ripples, Cheruvathur says having Sanju will be nothing but a dream as a coach.

"If Sanju is in the auction and if he can be on our side, that will be massive. Sanju is definitely in our plan. Nobody can predict what happens in auction, but having Sanju and Mohammad Azharuddeen in the same team is a dream for a coach."

Alleppey Ripples will have to showcase their might this season after more of a modest outing last year. Ahead of the new season, they have retained four players, and Vignesh Puthur and Mohammad Azharuddeen are going to be part of their squad next season as well.