The star batter for India, Sanju Samson, will miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Kerala this winter. The 30-year-old wicket-keeper batter had captained the team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy recently and was not considered for selection in the team picked for the 50-over tournament, which is scheduled to be held from December 21. According to an Indian Express report dated Wednesday (December 18), Samson, who had scored a century in his last ODI for the Men in Blue, was not considered for selection after skipping Kerala’s three-day preparatory camp at Wayanad.
Samson did not appear for Kerala’s preparatory camp after being selected in the 30 probables last week. Two practice matches were played by Kerala at the Krishnagiri Stadium in Wayanad. After that, a 19-member squad was announced on Tuesday evening.
“Sanju had sent an email stating that he would not be available for the camp. The team had a short camp in Wayanad without him. Naturally, we only considered those who were part of the sessions for selection. There has been no further discussion with him on the matter,” KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Apart from Samson, veteran batter Sachin Baby was also dropped. The left-handed batsman, aged 35, sustained an injury during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“Sachin’s recovery period is slotted till December 21, following which we will take a call on his inclusion,” Kumar said.
In Samson’s absence, Salman Nizar will captain Kerala, with support from the likes of Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Jalaj Saxena, and Basil Thampi.
Team Kerala is in Group E of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and will have its matches in Hyderabad. The first match of the tournament will be played on Monday, December 23, with Baroda at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
The other five matches Kerala would be playing will be against Madhya Pradesh (December 26), Delhi (December 28), Bengal (December 31), Tripura (January 3), and Bihar (January 5).
Kerala squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy: Salman Nizar (C), Rohan Kunnummal, Shaun Roger, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Anand Krishnan, Krishna Prasad, Ahammed Imran, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarvate, Sijomon Joseph, Basil Thampi, Basil NP, Nidheesh MD, Eden Apple Tom, Sharafuddeen NM, Akhil Scaria, Vishweshwar Suresh, Vaishak Chandran, Ajnas M ((WK).
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