Sanju Samson, now a CSK player, will captain Kerala in the SMAT 2025-26 season starting November 26.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy(SMAT) 2025-26 begins on November 26, and Kerala will enter the tournament with Sanju Samson as captain. The wicketkeeper-batter, who moved from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026, leads a squad that also features his elder brother Saly Samson. They reunite after notable performances in the Kerala Cricket League. There, Saly had guided Kochi Blue Tigers to a title earlier this year.
Young batter Ahammed Imran takes the vice-captain role after impressing with Thrissur Titans. Kerala’s lineup includes former Mumbai Indians player Vignesh Puthur, along with Vishnu Vinod and Akhil Scaria, who dominated the last two KCL seasons. Salman Nizar awaits fitness clearance, while senior player Sachin Baby misses out.
READ ALSO | SMAT 2025: Fit-Again Mohammed Shami Earns Bengal Call-Up
The tournament places Kerala in Group A with Chandigarh, Odisha, Vidarbha, Railways, Andhra Pradesh, and Mumbai. The team begins its campaign against Odisha on November 26 in Lucknow, where all group matches will be played. Players are set to reach the venue on November 23, while those finishing the Ranji fixture in Indore will join later.
SMAT 2025 Kerala Full Squad
Sanju Samson (C & WK), Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Krishna Devan, Abdul Bazith, Saly Samson, Salman Nizar, Krishna Prasad, Sibin P Gireesh, Ankit Sharma, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan, Asif KM, MD Nidheesh, Vignesh Puthur, Sharafuddeen NM.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.