The Kerala cricket fraternity has a lot to cheer about as Sanju Samson is officially back at the helm for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26. The announcement, which has sent ripples of excitement through the state, confirms Samson as the Kerala captain for the tournament that kicks off on November 26 in Lucknow .
Table of Contents
- Kerala Squad for SMAT 2025
- Sanju Samson Kerala Captain: A Leader’s Return
- Vignesh Puthur’s Impressive Journey to the Squad
- SMAT 2025 Schedule and Kerala’s Opening Battle
- What This Means for Sanju Samson’s World Cup Prep
- Conclusion
- Sources
Kerala Squad for SMAT 2025
The full Kerala squad has been announced, blending experienced campaigners with exciting young talent. The team is set to depart for Lucknow on November 22 to begin their preparations .
The complete squad is as follows:
- Sanju V Samson (C)(WK)
- Rohan S Kunnummal
- Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK)
- Ahammed Imran (VC)
- Vishnu Vinod (WK)
- Nidheesh M.D
- Asif KM
- Akhil K
- Krishnadas Rohit
- Pranav Dhanvijay
- Vignesh Puthur
- Shivank Vashisht
- KV Sasikanth
- Navneet Dhillon
This strong lineup shows Kerala’s intent to make a deep run in the competition.
Sanju Samson Kerala Captain: A Leader’s Return
Samson’s return as Sanju Samson Kerala captain is more than just a routine appointment; it’s a strategic move loaded with context. The wicketkeeper-batter was recently at the center of the biggest trade deal in IPL history, moving from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026 .
This tournament serves as a crucial bridge between his international duties—where he was a standout performer in the recent Asia Cup T20—and his upcoming role with CSK. Leading Kerala allows him to fine-tune his game and captaincy skills on the domestic stage, which is a perfect rehearsal for the high-pressure environment of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 for which he is a key figure.
His leadership will be vital for a team that has often shown promise but struggled to convert it into silverware. [INTERNAL_LINK:kerala-cricket-history] His calm demeanor and explosive batting can provide the perfect balance for the squad.
Vignesh Puthur’s Impressive Journey to the Squad
Another compelling story in the Kerala camp is the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur. Just months after making a dream debut for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, where he picked up three wickets on debut, Puthur was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on November 15, 2025 [[11], [16]].
Despite the setback, his inclusion in the Kerala squad is a testament to his talent and the faith the selectors have in him. His unique bowling style adds a new dimension to Kerala’s attack, and his performance in this tournament could be pivotal for his future, both domestically and potentially at the national level.
SMAT 2025 Schedule and Kerala’s Opening Battle
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 is set to run from November 26 to December 18, 2025, with the group stage matches taking place across various venues . Kerala has been placed in the Elite Group A, with all their initial matches scheduled in Lucknow .
The team’s departure on November 22 gives them a few days to acclimatize to the conditions before their campaign begins. The full schedule for Kerala’s group stage is yet to be officially detailed in every outlet, but the tournament’s opening day on November 26 will see other Group A teams like Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha in action at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, setting the stage for Kerala’s entry .
What This Means for Sanju Samson’s World Cup Prep
For Sanju Samson, this isn’t just another domestic tournament. It’s a golden opportunity. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, every match he plays is under intense scrutiny. Leading a state team like Kerala allows him to practice leadership, build partnerships, and find his best batting rhythm against quality domestic bowling. This practical, on-field experience is invaluable and cannot be replicated in a training camp. His performance here will not only impact Kerala’s fortunes but also solidify his standing in the Indian national team setup.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With Sanju Samson back as the Kerala captain and the exciting addition of Vignesh Puthur, the team is poised for a strong showing. This tournament is a critical juncture for Samson’s career as he transitions to CSK and gears up for the global stage. All eyes will be on Lucknow to see if this Kerala side can turn its potential into a championship run.