Sanju Samson, the captain of Kerala and a key player for the Rajasthan Royals, has surprised many by opting out of the inaugural edition of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) in 2024.
The star cricketer, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, was expected to lead the Trivandrum Royals as their icon player, but his decision to skip the tournament has left fans and experts speculating.
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As the KCL commences at the Greenfield International Stadium from September 2 to 18, questions arise about Samson’s absence and the reasons behind it.
Why is Sanju Samson missing from KCL 2024?
Samson’s choice to sit out the KCL follows a rigorous cricketing schedule that kept him busy for several months.
Having led the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL playoffs and contributed to India’s T20 World Cup victory, Samson has been actively playing from March to July.
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Reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-batter sought a break from the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to recharge for the upcoming domestic and international commitments.
“Sanju has been engaged in continuous cricketing activities from March to July. The two months of IPL and the T20 World Cup have taken a toll on him. Even post the T20 World Cup, he participated in Indian T20 tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka,” a source close to Onmanorama revealed.
“Therefore, Sanju requested a break from the KCA officials. His name was also not included in the player auction,” the source added.
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His absence paves the way for all-rounder P A Abdul Basit to assume the role of icon player and captain for the Trivandrum Royals.
What’s next for Sanju Samson?
Despite not participating as a player, Samson’s involvement as the tournament icon and his role in unveiling the KCL logo demonstrate his ongoing support for the league.
With the Ranji Trophy approaching and potential national commitments in November, Samson’s primary focus remains on maintaining freshness and readiness for future challenges.