KCL begins without its biggest star

The Kerala Cricket League’s third season starts on Thursday with the defending champions facing a challenge that extends beyond their opening match: how to replace the influence and star power of Sanju Samson.

Samson, the league’s leading name and a key part of Kochi Blue Tigers’ title-winning campaign last season, has opted out for “personal reasons.” His absence creates a significant gap for Kochi, but also gives younger players a chance to claim the centre stage in Kerala cricket.

Kochi begin their title defence

Kochi will open their campaign against Kollam Sailors at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The side will be led by Sanju Samson’s brother, Saly Samson, who acknowledged the defending champions will miss the former’s experience but pointed to the strength of the team that supported last season’s triumph.

“Sanju will be missed. His experience was invaluable last season during our title-winning run. But we have a core team of 10 players who performed for us, with seniors like Basil Thampi,” Saly Samson said.

The champions accept that the title brings additional pressure, yet Saly Samson said the squad had prepared well and remained confident ahead of the tournament.

A new breakout star in the making

With Samson absent, the search for Kerala’s next T20 star is likely to become one of the defining stories of KCL 3. Performances in the league could provide a route into Kerala’s senior team, the Indian Premier League and the wider professional game.

Saly Samson expects the tournament’s unpredictable nature to create opportunities for an unexpected performer.

“I believe that KCL has a knack for throwing up surprises. How you perform on the given day is what makes it count. Some young, relatively unknown player might come good and score a ton or pick up a five-for,” he said.

Auction moves add to the intrigue

Alleppey Ripples’ purchase of Sibin Gireesh for ₹11.8 lakh made him the most expensive player in the league. Krishna Devan and Sachin Baby also attracted substantial bids, while Baby’s move to Alleppey, where he will captain the team, begins a new chapter for the former Kerala skipper.

More technology and officiating support

The Kerala Cricket Association has named a 15-member umpiring panel for the season. It includes former Kerala captain and ICC Elite Panel umpire K N Ananthapadmanabhan, as well as BCCI Level 2 umpire Tony Emmatty. Two BCCI-panel umpires will officiate each match.

Hawk-Eye will also be used to support reviews and improve decision-making accuracy. With four umpires assigned to every game, organisers are aiming to give the six-team competition a more professional framework.

But the central question remains unchanged as the teams gather in Thiruvananthapuram: without Sanju Samson, who will emerge as the new face of Kerala’s T20 cricket?