Sanju Samson is all set to take the helm as captain of Kerala for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, kicking off on November 26. The talented wicketkeeper-batter, who recently made the switch from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is ready to lead his state team in this exciting domestic T20 tournament. Joining him on the squad is his older brother, Saly Samson, who has played alongside Sanju in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Earlier this year, Saly led the Kochi Blue Tigers to victory in KCL Season 2. Now, the Samson brothers will proudly wear the Kerala colors together in the SMAT, which is the top domestic T20 competition. In addition to the Samson brothers, young batter Ahammed Imran has been appointed vice-captain after impressing in the KCL with the Thrissur Titans. The team also features Vignesh Puthur, a former player for the Mumbai Indians (MI), and Vishnu Vinod, while Salman Nizar is awaiting fitness clearance despite being included in the squad. Akhil Scaria, who has been the top wicket-taker in the last two KCL seasons, is also part of the Kerala lineup. Meanwhile, seasoned player Sachin Baby has been left out this time. Read also: Jasprit Bumrah on the money! Chips off Aiden Markram's wicket just before Tea in Guwahati Kerala finds themselves in Group A, alongside Chandigarh, Odisha, Vidarbha, Railways, Andhra Pradesh, and Mumbai. They will kick off their campaign against Odisha on November 26, with all group-stage matches taking place in Lucknow. Some players will head to Lucknow on November 23, while others will join from Indore, where Kerala recently faced Madhya Pradesh in their last Ranji match. After finishing as runners-up in the previous season, Kerala has had a rough start to the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, currently sitting near the bottom of their group with just 8 points from five matches. As they gear up for the SMAT 2025, the team is eager to turn their fortunes around and make a significant impact during the white-ball phase of the Indian domestic season. Kerala full squad for SMAT 2025 Sanju Samson (C & WK), Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Krishna Devan, Abdul Bazith, Saly Samson, Salman Nizar, Krishna Prasad, Sibin P Gireesh, Ankit Sharma, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan, Asif KM, MD Nidheesh, Vignesh Puthur, Sharafuddeen NM