Sachin Baby has been named as the captain of the Kerala cricket team for their first Ranji Trophy match against Punjab at St. Xavier's College KCA Ground on October 11. The regular captain, Sanju Samson, will not be playing due to his selection for the Bangladesh T20 series. This is a must-watch match as Kerala looks to dominate in their home ground.
Sachin Baby to Lead Kerala in Ranji Trophy Opener
October 6, 2023 - Kochi: Kerala's premier cricketer Sachin Baby has been appointed as the captain of the state team for their first match of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
The decision was made after regular captain Sanju Samson was selected for the Indian T20I squad that will tour Bangladesh later this month. Samson's absence from the opening Ranji match has paved the way for Baby to take over the leadership mantle.
Baby is a veteran of the Ranji Trophy, having played 68 matches for Kerala since his debut in 2010. He has scored over 4,000 runs and taken 47 wickets in the tournament. He is also a regular member of the India 'A' team and has represented India in the Emerging Players Tournament in the past.
Background: Kerala in Ranji Trophy
Kerala has a rich history in the Ranji Trophy, having won the title once in 1983-84. The state has produced several notable cricketers over the years, including Sreekanth Nair, Tinu Yohannan, and the aforementioned Sanju Samson.
In recent years, Kerala has been a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy, reaching the semifinals of the tournament in 2016-17 and 2017-18. The team boasts a talented squad featuring experienced players like Baby, Jalaj Saxena, and Basil Thampi, as well as promising youngsters like Akhil Karthik and Pawan Shah.
Upcoming Match: Kerala vs. Punjab
Kerala will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign with a match against Punjab at the St. Xavier's College KCA Ground in Kochi on October 11. Punjab is a formidable opponent that has won the tournament five times, including in the 2018-19 season.
Kerala will be determined to make a strong start to the season at home, especially in the absence of their star captain. Baby's experience and leadership will be crucial for the team's success.
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