Sanju Samson returns to play Round 2 for Kerala in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson is all set to join his domestic team Kerala for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. His inclusion comes after his destructive 40-ball century against Bangladesh in the recent T20I Series.

The 29-year-old batter was not included in the squad for the first round, but now he is expected to return but not as a captain. Sachin Baby will remain the captain for the second round after he guided Kerala to victory in the first round against Punjab at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram in the first round. Spin All-Rounder Aditya Sarwate was adjudged as Man of the Match for his nine-wicket haul in the match.

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In the second round, Kerala will face Karnataka in their 2nd match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The game will commence on 18 October and it is set to be played at KSCA Three Ovals Stadium, Alur. As Karnataka's premier home ground M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru is busy hosting the first test of three-match Test Series between India and New Zealand.

Sanju Samson believes in his skill to succeed in Red Ball Cricket

Samson has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, as he scored 177 runs at an average of 35.40 in the four matches last Ranji Trophy season. He played two Duleep Trophy matches earlier as well where he scored 196 runs in four innings, including a brilliant knock of 106 against India B. In a recent interview with The Hindu, Sanju Samson said that he wants to play Test Cricket for India.

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‘“I believe I have the skill set to succeed in red-ball cricket, and I just don’t want to be restricted to just white-ball cricket. I desire to play Tests for India. Before the Duleep Trophy, the leadership group had told me that they were considering me for red-ball cricket and asked me to take it seriously and play more Ranji Trophy matches,’’ Samson said.

Kerala will look to beat Karnataka to get two wins in a row in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Sanju Samson's inclusion also gives them an edge as well