Much anticipated Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26India’s Prime Minister T20 T20 tournament is set to begin and all eyes are on the Kerala squad. Led by the dynamic Indian WicketKeeper-corpse Sanju Samsonthe team has a mix of established IPL stars and a mix of promising homegrown talent. In a renewed focus on T20 performance, the IPL 2026 auction and the T20 World Cup will look to make a deep run from their base in Lucknow, Kerala.
Sanju Samson will lead Kerala
Shamon’s appointment comes hot on the heels of his high-profile trade leading up to the fifth IPL champions, a career move as captain for the SMAT campaign. Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This tournament is an important platform to showcase Samson’s leadership and batting prowess. Fresh from a successful run with the national team in the recent Asia Cup T20, his form and temperament will be key to success in the tournament.
This will be more of a preparation phase for Samson, who is actively involved in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The team is led by experienced former India all-rounder Amay Khurasia as the head coach.
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Placed in Kerala Elite group
Kerala have been placed in the Elite group for the league stage and they will play all their matches in Lucknow. This group is highly competitive, consisting of the biggest names in Indian domestic cricket. The team will face a tough test from the start, especially against the domestic powerhouses mambay and consistent performers Vidarbha and Andhra. The goal will be between the top two teams in the group to ensure direct qualification to the knockout stages, dubbed the Super League for this edition.
Squad for SMAT for Kerala 2025-26: Sanju Samson (C and WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammad Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh Vinod, Ashil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N., Abdul Bazith Pa, Sharafuddeen Nm,
Sibin p Gireesh, Krishna Prasad, Sally Samson, Vighesh Puthur, Salman Nizar.
