Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala announce squad for first Ranji Trophy clash, Sachin Baby to lead

Kerala announced their squad for their opening game at the Ranji Trophy. Sachin Baby was announced as the skipper for the side in the absence of regular skipper Sanju Samson, who will miss the first game due to national duty. Sachin Baby was exceptional in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League T20, helping Kollam Sailors to the title. 

Now, Baby will be leading Kerala against Punjab in the season opener of the Ranji Trophy at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram beginning October 11. It is worth noting that Sanju Samson was supposed to lead Kerala, but he is set to feature for the national team in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. 

Furthermore, the likes of Aditya Sarwate and Baba Aparajith will be joining Kerala as the guest players for the season, and the side will hope to get off to a good start to the tournament. 

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Odisha announce 17-member squad for first two matches

Sanju Samson likely to be busy until October 12

Speaking of the absence of Kerala’s regular skipper Sanju Samson, the star batter has been called up to play for India in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. It is worth noting that India recently defeated Bangladesh across a two-game Test series. 

Both sides will now shift their focus onto the shorter format. India and Bangladesh will face each other across three T20Is, which will be held in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad on October 6, 9, and 12, and having been selected for the series, Samson could be occupied with national duty up until October 12. 

However, the star batter would be keen on making his return to India and putting in his best performance given that he is given the chance in the lineup.

Kerala Squad: Sachin Baby (c), Mohammed Azharuddeen, Vishnu Vinod, Baba Aparajith, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, KM Asif, Basil Thampi, MD Nidheesh, Akshay Chandran, Fazil Fanoos, Vathsal Govind, Krishna Prasad, Rohan Kunnummal, Salman Nizar.