Updated 24 June 2025 at 15:42 IST
Sanju Samson has finally managed to establish himself as a regular in the Indian cricket team in at least the T20I format, but he too would have been worried about his spot in the side after having a forgettable IPL 2025. The Rajasthan Royals captain missed a few games due to a finger injury and often played as the impact sub as a result. But that will not be the end of the T20 cricket he plays this year as he will take part in the Kerala Cricket League 2025. [IND v ENG DAY 5 UPDATES]
Sanju was involved with the league in its first season in 2024, but only as an ambassador. However, he will be entering the player auction in 2025.
It has become commonplace for state boards to host their own T20 leagues as it is a good way to not only boost income but also to give players another launchpad to the IPL.
A lot of states including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai and even Maharashtra have their own domestic T20 leagues, which sees even India internationals participate.
But Sanju ended up missing out in 2024 as the tournament took place when he was away on international duty, hence his role as an ambassador of the league.
Of course, the fact that Sanju had a forgettable IPL season would have perhaps motivated him to find time in his schedule to play the domestic cricket league.
He only played in 9 of the 14 group stage games as Rajasthan Royals failed to make the playoffs and in those games he scored 285 runs at an average of 31.67 and a strike rate of 140.39.
Those are the kind of numbers which could see his international spot under threat, especially given how much competition for spots exist with the Indian cricket team as a whole.
Published 24 June 2025 at 15:42 IST