Sanju Samson not named in Kerala squad [Source: x]The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has announced a strong 18-player Kerala squad for their first match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. As per the schedule, the Kerala cricket team will face Jharkhand in their opening Elite Group C match of the tournament in Jamshedpur between October 11 and October 14.Notably, none of the Samson brothers managed to make it to the 18-player Kerala line-up for India’s most prestigious first-class competition. Vishnu Vinod to lead Kerala in Ranji Trophy 2026-27The KCA has appointed explosive wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod as the new Kerala captain for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season. The cricketer also led the Kerala team in the previous Ranji Trophy season earlier this year, albeit on an interim basis during the absence of regular skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen.Also Read- Sanju Samson Joins Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli In Elite 9000-Run T20 ClubDespite losing his captaincy, Azharuddeen returns to the team after missing the final match of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season back in January this year in Porvorim. Kerala’s 18-player group also includes several other star performers like Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena, Basil N P among others.Here is a look at the entire Kerala squad for their first match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season in Jamshedpur later this weekend.Kerala squad for opening match of Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Vishnu Vinod (c), Rohan S Kunnummal, Abhishek J Nair, Abhishek P Nair, Sachin Baby, Ahammed Imran, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Salman Nizar, Varun Nayanar (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Vaisakh Chandran, Aditya Anand Sarvate, Anuraj J S, Abhijith Praveen V, Nidheesh M D, Eden Apple Tom, Pavan Raj and Basil N P.KCA @KCAcricket The squad is ready! The Ranji Trophy 2026–27 journey begins! 🏏 With Vishnu Vinod leading the side as captain, Kerala is all set to face Jharkhand in Jamshedpur. #RanjiTrophy #RanjiTrophy2026 #KeralaCricket Oct 7, 2026, 4:03 PM Why are Samson brothers not included in Kerala squad?Sanju Samson and his elder brother Saly Samson both were not included in Kerala squad for their opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. It is worth noting that Sanju is currently a part of Team India squad for the ongoing five-match home T20I series against the West Indies team. While the explosive wicketkeeper-batter recently returned from Japan with an Asian Games gold medal, the cricketer will be expected to play Ranji Trophy 2026-27 fixtures at some point later in the tournament. Saly Samson, on the other hand, is yet to make his first-class debut. The 35-year-old played just a couple of T20 matches for the Kerala team back during the SMAT 2025-26 season late last year. Also Read- Travis Head Takes Aim At Former Australian Cricketers For Criticising Test Selection
