Image: Sanju Samson did not show up on the preparation day and was dropped from the team / © English Jagran
India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson, has been excluded from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad due to his absence from the team’s preparatory camp in Wayanad. Despite being listed among the 30 probables, Samson did not attend the camp, prompting Kerala selectors to omit him. KCA Secretary Vinod S Kumar confirmed that Samson had informed the association via email about his unavailability for the camp, which led to the decision to not include him in the final 19-member squad.
This exclusion comes just weeks after Samson captained Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where the team finished third in Group E. In his absence, Salman Nazir, who impressed during the tournament, has been appointed captain. Samson’s absence is a setback for the player, who is aiming for a spot in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Kerala’s squad includes notable players like Rohan Kunnummal, Jalaj Saxena, and Basil Thampi, with preparations focused on competing strongly in the tournament.
Salman Nizar (captain), Rohan S Kunnummal, Shoun Roger, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (wk), Anand Krishnan, Krishna Prasad, Ahammed Imran, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarvate, Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, Basil N P, Nidheesh MD, Eden Apple Tom, Sharafuddeen NM, Akhil Scaria, Vishweshwar Suresh, Vaishak Chandran, Ajnas M (WK).