Sanju Samson Left Out of Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Squad
Sanju Samson, one of Indian cricket’s most exciting talents and Kerala’s cricketing mainstay, has been excluded from the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. This decision stems from the Kerala Cricket Association’s (KCA) policy to include only players who participated in the preparatory camp prior to the tournament.
The decision has stirred discussions across the cricketing fraternity, particularly given Samson’s role as Kerala’s captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) earlier this season. Despite Kerala narrowly missing out on the knockouts, Samson’s leadership was pivotal as they won four of their six games.
The Controversy Surrounding Samson’s Omission
Samson, who had been part of Kerala’s 30-member probable list for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was excluded from the final 19-member squad after he informed the KCA of his unavailability for the preparatory camp. While he featured in five of Kerala’s six matches during SMAT, scoring 135 runs, including a half-century, the KCA’s rigid stance on participation in the camp ultimately led to his omission.
With senior batter Sachin Baby also sidelined due to an injury sustained during SMAT, Salman Nizar has been named captain for the 50-over competition.
Kerala Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy
The final squad includes several promising players such as Salman Nizar, Rohan Kunnummal, and Mohammed Azharuddeen. The team composition reflects a mix of youth and experience, with all-rounders like Jalaj Saxena and Basil Thampi expected to play crucial roles.
Kerala Squad:
Salman Nizar (capt), Rohan Kunnummal, Shoun Roger, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Anand Krishnan, Krishna Prasad, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, Basil NP, Nidheesh MD, Eden Apple Tom, Sharafuddeen, Akhil Scaria, Vishweshwar Suresh, Vaishak Chandran, Ajnas M (wk).
Karnataka’s Shift Towards Youth Sparks Debate
Meanwhile, Karnataka, one of India’s most successful domestic teams, has also made headlines with their decision to “move on” from senior players like Manish Pandey. The former captain, who has been an integral part of Karnataka’s success in the past, was excluded from the Vijay Hazare squad following a dip in form during SMAT.
Pandey’s exclusion appears to be part of a larger strategy by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to focus on younger talent. KSCA chairman J. Abhiram emphasized the need to “bank on youth” to rebuild the team’s dominance in domestic cricket.
Pandey’s Legacy and Future Prospects
If this marks the end of Manish Pandey’s career for Karnataka, it closes a chapter on an illustrious domestic journey. Pandey has amassed 7973 runs in 118 first-class matches at an average of 50.78, with 25 centuries. He was a key player in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy victories in 2013-14 and 2014-15 and led the team to back-to-back Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy titles in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Despite his recent struggles, Pandey remains a sought-after player in franchise cricket, having been re-signed by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2025.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Domestic Cricket?
The decisions involving Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey signal a shifting landscape in Indian domestic cricket. Teams are increasingly prioritizing form, fitness, and long-term planning over past achievements. While such moves can be controversial, they underline the competitive nature of Indian cricket and the constant drive to nurture emerging talent.
As Kerala and Karnataka gear up for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, all eyes will be on their performances, as well as the impact of these bold decisions on their respective campaigns.
