Kerala have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson set to feature. The tournament is scheduled to take place in New Chandigarh, Punjab, from November 14 to 26.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has opted for a balanced squad with players who have made an impression in domestic cricket and the Kerala Cricket League. As MyKhel reported earlier, Sanju Samson has been appointed as captain for the upcoming SMAT 2026 campaign.

Samson will lead a batting unit that includes Mohammed Azharuddeen, Vishnu Vinod, Rohan Kunnummal and Salman Nizar. Young batters Ahmed Imran and Govind Dev Pai have also earned places in the squad, while Krishna Devan adds another option to the batting department.

The all-rounders' department features Akhil Scaria, Sharafuddeen NM and veteran Jalaj Saxena, with MD Nidheesh also included. Kerala have also assembled a varied bowling attack, comprising KM Asif, Vignesh Puthur, who have IPL experience under their belt.

Kerala have been placed in Group C alongside Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura, Puducherry, Assam and Himachal Pradesh. They will open their campaign against Madhya Pradesh on Monday, with the group-stage fixtures offering a challenging test for Samson's side.

Kerala Squad for SMAT 2026

Sanju Samson (C/WK), Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Ahammed Imran, Govind Dev Pai, Krishna Devan, Vishnu Vinod (WK), Salman Nizar, Akhil Scaria, Nikhil M, Vignesh Puthur, Biju Narayanan N, Karthik B. Nair, Vaishak Chandran, K.M. Asif, M.D. Nidheesh, Sharafuddeen NM, Jalaj Saxena.

Kerala SMAT 2026 Schedule

Sanju Samson-led Kerala will begin their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 campaign against Madhya Pradesh on November 14. Kerala are placed in Elite Group C and will play seven league matches, with their final group fixture scheduled against Himachal Pradesh on November 26.

Story first published: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 7:20 [IST]

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