In the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and among cricketers in the state. Sanju Samson is difficult exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season has had no effect on his reputation. At the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction on Saturday. The India and Rajasthan Royals batsman solidified his reputation by becoming the most expensive acquisition. For a record INR 26.60 lakh, the Kochi Blue Tigers acquired him.
Samson will be playing in his first competitive match since the end of the 2025 Indian Premier League. When he played nine games for the Rajasthan Royals. The team had a poor season, with only four wins and 10 losses, ending ninth. A side strain held Samson out of action for a large chunk of the middle part of the season.
After missing out on Vijay Hazare’s squad. Samson will also make his debut appearance under the KCA’s jurisdiction at the KCL. Due to his failure to attend a training camp prior to the tournament. Sanju Samson was disqualified at the time. Despite the KCA’s declaration that they wanted to set a precedent. The India batter said that he had written to the association requesting permission to skip the camp.
Sanju Samson
Samson, who was named the league’s brand ambassador, declined to play in the KCL’s first season due to international obligations. After that, his name was removed from the auctions and he was granted a respite. Samson, who most memorably scored three hundred against South Africa and Bangladesh, has since solidified his status as an everyday T20I opener for India.
The all-rounder Jalaj Saxena was selected for INR 12.6 lakh. While the second-most expensive pick was Vishnu Vinod, a batsman and wicketkeeper who played for the Mumbai Indians.
Vignesh Puthur, a juvenile left-arm wrist spinner. Who impressed in the trials and was signed by the Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakh. Brought the first edition of the KCL into sharp focus during this year’s IPL. He was also brought to South Africa. Where he played for MI Cape Town as a net bowler.
Puthur was retained by Alleppey Ripples for the second edition. After signing for INR 3.75 lakh in the first edition. He will be playing in his first competitive encounter since suffering an injury halfway through the 2025 Indian Premier League. Where he took six wickets in five games for MI.
