Sanju Samson has received a special birthday gift just a day before turning 32, as the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has handed the Indian wicketkeeper-batter the captaincy for the upcoming 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The appointment comes at an important time for Samson, who will be eager to regain his batting form after a disappointing T20I series against New Zealand. He managed only 107 runs in five T20I matches in New Zealand, with his highest score being 67.

Sanju Samson returns as Kerala captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) announced the squad for the upcoming 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on November 10, with Sanju Samson returning as captain.

The experienced wicketkeeper-batter will now have a fresh opportunity to silence his critics as Kerala tries to make a strong comeback in the premier tournament.

Kerala has been placed in Group C and will begin its 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign against Madhya Pradesh in New Chandigarh on November 14. The group also includes Andhra, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and Tripura.

Ahammed Imran, Govind Dev rewarded by KCA

The KCA selectors have also rewarded some impressive performers from the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Young top-order batter Ahammed Imran and batting all-rounder Govind Dev D. Pai have earned places in the squad after delivering consistent performances in the competition.

The squad also includes several experienced players. Red-ball captain Vishnu Vinod and former Kerala skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen have also been named in the side, while veteran spinner Jalaj Saxena has also found a place. Saxena recently returned to the Kerala side ahead of their Ranji Trophy campaign and will bring valuable experience to the Kerala team.

Kerala has also included players with IPL experience. Left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur, who has represented Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, is part of the squad along with KM Asif, who was part of Chennai Super Kings' title-winning teams in 2018 and 2021.

Sanju Samson eyes strong comeback after poor New Zealand tour

Sanju Samson is returning to Kerala's domestic side for the first time since January 2026, when he played a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Puducherry. Since then, he has remained busy with India's commitments, playing an important role in India's successful T20 World Cup title defence and their gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

In the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, Samson guided Kerala to fourth place in Elite Group A, as they failed to qualify for the knockouts. He scored 233 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 137.86 and finished as the team's second-highest run-scorer behind Rohan Kunnummal.

Kerala squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27

Sanju Samson (C/WK), Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Ahammed Imran, Govind Dev, Krishna Devan, Vishnu Vinod (WK), Salman Nizar, Akhil Scaria, Nikhil M, Vignesh Puthur, Biju Narayanan, Karthik B Nair, Vaisakh Chandran, KM Asif, Nidheesh MD, Sharafuddeen NM, Jalaj Saxena

Kerala announces its squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026/27, with Sanju Samson leading the side. A new campaign, a new challenge, and one goal make Kerala proud! #KeralaCricket #SyedMushtaqAliTrophy #SMAT2026 #TeamKerala https://t.co/OMVhCLHNMX

— KCA (@KCAcricket) November 10, 2026

Kerala's Group C fixtures at Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27

• November 14: Madhya Pradesh vs Kerala – 4:30 PM IST, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Tira, New Chandigarh.
• November 16: Kerala vs Maharashtra – 4:30 PM IST, PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, New Chandigarh.
• November 18: Kerala vs Andhra – 9:00 AM IST, I.S. Bindra PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh.
• November 22: Kerala vs Puducherry – 9:00 PM IST, New Chandigarh.
• November 25: Kerala vs Himachal Pradesh – 9:00 PM IST, New Chandigarh.