Changes in Kerala Ranji Trophy team; Sachin Baby replaced, Mohammed Azharuddeen takes over as captain; Sanju also in team

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will be led by its new captain, Mohammed Azharuddeen, in the Ranji Trophy starting on the 15th of this month. Former captain Sachin Baby will also be in the team. 31-year-old Mohammed Azharuddeen is the captain of Alleppey Ripples in the KCL. Indian star Sanju Samson is also in the team. Kerala's first match is against Maharashtra on October 15.

Sachin was not named captain this time, despite taking Kerala to the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in its history last season. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) told the media that the decision to name a new captain was taken keeping in mind the future of the team. Kerala Team: Mohammed Azharuddin (Captain), Baba Aparajith (Vice-Captain), Sanju Samson, Rohan S Kunnummal, Vathsal Govind Sharma, Akshay Chandran, Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, Nidheesh MD, Basil NP, Edhen Apple Tom, Ahammed Imran, Shoun Roger, Abhishek P Nair.

Vidarbha won the last Ranji Trophy after drawing with Kerala in the final. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is likely to miss the first few matches as he is part of the Indian squad for the Australian tour.