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.
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 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.
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
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 t.co/OMVhCLHNMX
— KCA (@KCAcricket) November 10, 2026Kerala'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.Hence then, the article about sanju samson returns as captain as kerala announce squad for syed mushtaq ali trophy 2026 27 was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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