Azharuddeen to Lead, Aparajith as Vice-Captain
Azharuddeen, who enjoyed a strong Ranji campaign last year and also captained the South Zone team in the Duleep Trophy, will now lead a squad blending experience and local talent. Baba Aparajith, joining Kerala as a guest player, has been appointed vice-captain, strengthening the middle order. Rohan S Kunnummal, one of Kerala’s most dependable openers, retains his spot in the team.
The squad also includes regulars such as M D Nidheesh, Salman Nizar, and Vathsal Govind, alongside guest players Ankit Sharma and Aparajith. The decision to make Aparajith vice-captain adds extra leadership depth, even with senior players like Samson and Baby in the team.
Samson’s Comeback
Sanju Samson, not part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series, is expected to feature in a few Ranji matches before joining the T20I team later in October. However, the exact number of games he will play this season remains unclear.
Kerala’s Ambition
Kerala enters the new season with confidence after a historic campaign last year, when they reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time. They finished as runners-up after a drawn final against Vidarbha, who won on the first-innings lead (379 vs Kerala’s 342).
Kerala will begin their season at home against Maharashtra on October 15 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Squad:
Mohammed Azharuddeen (C), Baba Aparajith (VC), Sanju Samson, Rohan S Kunnummal, Vathsal Govind Sharma, Akshay Chandran, Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, M D Nidheesh, Basil NP, Edhen Apple Tom, Ahammed Imran, Shoun Roger, Abhishek P Nai
