Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Sanju Samson excluded from Kerala squad after not attending camp

The in-form Sanju Samson has not been picked in Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 squad after he failed to attend a three-day camp ahead of the 50-over tournament. Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary Vinod S Kumar said that only those who attended the three-day camp were considered for selection.

It is important to note that Samson, who led Kerala in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, had informed the KCA about his unavailability. Under his astute leadership, Kerala finished third in Group E in SMAT 2024. They narrowly missed a spot in the knockouts as eventual champions Mumbai and Andhra progressed from the group.

Samson was named in the 30-man probables list for the Vijay Hazare Trophy last week. However, after failing to report for the preparatory camp, he was left out of the final 19-man squad, announced on Tuesday, December 17.

“Sanju had sent an email stating that he would not be available for the camp. The team had a short camp in Wayanad without him. Naturally, we only considered those who were part of the sessions for selection. There has been no further discussion with him on the matter,” KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar told The Indian Express.

Besides Samson, experienced batter Sachin Baby was also not considered for selection after suffering an injury during the SMAT campaign. “Sachin’s recovery period is slotted till December 21, following which we will take a call on his inclusion,” Kumar said.

Salman Nizar to lead Kerala

In their absence, batter Salman Nizar will lead a new-look Kerala side after impressive SMAT and Ranji Trophy performances.

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Kerala are placed in Group E in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. They will begin their campaign on Monday, December 23, when they take on a dangerous Baroda side in Hyderabad.

Kerala squad: 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).