Ranji -Trophy: Sanju Samson returns to Kerala team, Mohammad Azharuddin will be the captain

Thiruvananthapuram, October 10 (IANS). The most sought after Ranji trophy of the Indian domestic cricket is about to start. Teams are announced for this tournament. The Kerala team was announced under the captaincy of Mohammad Azharuddin. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson returned to the team. Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) announced the 15 -member group on Friday. Mohammad Azharuddin received the team’s order in place of Sachin Baby. Under Baby’s Captaincy, the Kerala team made the final for the first time last season. This season, the batsman is associated with Kerala, B. Aparajith appointed Vice Captain, creating a new leadership combination in the team. Sanju Samson was admitted to the Red Ball team after a year. Samson last played in a first -class match against Karnataka in October 2024. After being selected for the upcoming Australian tour in the T20 squad in India, the wicketkeeper is expected to miss the next three rounds of the tournament. But in whatever game he is part of playing eleven, Kerala’s bat will be strong. Basil Thampi is out of the team due to an injury. In his absence, the fast bowling attack was led by MD Nidish and NP Basil, while Adhain Apple Tom and Ahmed Imran will bring depth to the team. The selectors included the young Allrounder Abhishek P. Nair for the first time in the senior team. The 22-year-old left-handed opening batsman and the right arm medium Pacer impressed head coach Amay Khursiya with his talent during training camp. Former Pondicherry player Ankit Sharma is also part of the team this season. Kerala was placed in Elite Group B with Karnataka, Punjab, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh and Goa. Kerala team Mohammad Azharuddin (captain), B. Aparajit (Vice Captain), Sanju Samson, Rohan S. Kunnummal, Vatsal Govind, Akshay Chandran, Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, MD Nidhish, NP Basil, Adhain Apple Tom, Ahmed Imran, Shawn Roger, and Abhishek P. Nair. -—IANS PAK