Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Sanju Samson Not Included in Kerala Squad For Missing Camp - Report

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was reportedly excluded from Kerala squad for not showing up for the preparatory camp as Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) announced their 19-member squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 season.

According to a report in the Indian Express, Samson had written to the KCA about his unavailability for the camp in Waynad, and was hence not included in the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as KCA Secretary added they considered those who were part of the sessions for selection.

Samson had recently led the Kerala team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20, where they finished third and missed out on a knockout spot behind eventual champions Mumbai and Andhra from Group E.

The 30-year-old, who was named in 30-man probables for the 50-over tournament earlier, failed to make the final cut after not reporting for Kerala's brief camp in which the team played two practice games at the Krishnagiri Stadium in Wayanad.

Following the practice games, Kerala announced their 19-player squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to begin on December 21 with Salman Nizar appointed as captain. The squad also includes prominent names like Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, and Mohammed Azharuddeen.

Apart from Samson, Sachin Baby, another prominent member of the Kerala team, was also not picked after the batter failed to recover from a groin injury. Here is a look at Kerala's Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy:

Kerala Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Salman Nizar (captain), Rohan Kunnummal, Shoun Roger, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wicketkeeper), Anand Krishnan, Krishna Prasad, Ahammed Imran, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Anand Sarvate, Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, Basil NP, Nidheesh MD, Eden Apple Tom, Sharafuddeen NM, Akhil Scaria, Vishweshwar Suresh, Vaishak Chandran, Ajnas M (wicketkeeper).

Kerala have been placed in Group E for the 50-over tournament alongside the likes of Baroda, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Bengal, Tripura, and Bihar. The team will kick off their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign against Baroda on December 23 in Hyderabad.