Sanju Samson removed as franchise captain as CSK transfer nears

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is set to play under the captaincy of his elder brother, Saly Samson, in the upcoming season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). The Kochi Blue Tigers have announced Saly as their captain for the second edition of the T20 tournament, which begins on August 22.

Sanju Samson recently became the most expensive player in Kerala Cricket League history after being picked up by Kochi Blue Tigers for a whopping sum of ₹26.80 lakh. The star wicketkeeper-batter did not feature in the first edition of the tournament due to his commitments with the Indian cricket team.

Saly Samson Named Captain of Kochi Blue Tigers for KCL 2025 Season

Saly Samson has been named captain of the Kochi Blue Tigers for the upcoming KCL 2025 season, despite speculation that his younger brother, Sanju Samson, would lead the side. The franchise confirmed that Sanju will serve as vice-captain.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Saly was signed for his base price of ₹75,000 in the auction. The team expressed confidence that the Blue Tigers will make an impact in the T20 tournament.

"It's now official! I, Subash G Manuel, owner of Kochi Blue Tigers, am proud to officially announce-on behalf of the management, the leadership for KCL Season 2. In KCL Season 2, the Blue Tigers will roar louder than ever," a social media post from Kochi Blue Tigers wrote.

Also Read: Kerala Cricket League launched by KCA as Sanju Samson unveils logo for KCL

Sanju Samson to Play Under Brother Saly’s Captaincy for the First Time

Sanju Samson will play under his brother’s captaincy for the first time at the senior level. The wicketkeeper-batter has previously led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL and Kerala in domestic cricket. This time, he will serve as vice-captain.

Saly made his List A debut in 2021 for Badureliya Sports Club in Sri Lanka’s Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament. He featured in six matches, scoring 38 runs at an average of 7.60, with a top score of 15. His playing career has been hampered by injuries and surgeries.

Saly played two matches in the previous KCL season but didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl. The Kochi Blue Tigers had a disappointing campaign last year, finishing fifth out of six teams and missing out on the playoffs.

Sanju Samson’s Future with Rajasthan Royals Appears Uncertain

Sanju Samson’s future with the Rajasthan Royals appears uncertain. He, who was retained for ₹18 crore, missed five matches due to an abdominal injury sustained against Delhi Capitals (DC). He began the season as an Impact Player in the first three games before being sidelined.

Samson, who rejoined RR in 2018 after a stint with Delhi, scored 285 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39, including one half-century.

Rajasthan Royals had a poor campaign overall, finishing ninth on the table with just four wins from 14 games. Riyan Parag stepped in as captain during Samson’s absence.

Meanwhile, it was reported that franchises like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are among those interested in acquiring him.

Also Read: Sanju Samson-Venkatesh Iyer mega trade on the cards? KKR scout drops bombshell