THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth has been included for next week's Ranji Trophy Kerala team. Sreesanth, who was banned by the BCCI following a bribery scandal, has been included in the Ranji Trophy team for the first time since his acquittal. Sreesanth, 39, is returning to the Ranji Trophy team after being shortlisted for the IPL star auction. Kerala's matches will start on the 17th of this month in Rajkot. The matches are till March 6.

Meanwhile, Sanju V Samson was not included in the team as he was injured. KCA has announced that Sanju, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, will return to the team once he proves physical fitness after recovery. Former India opener Robin Uthappa has also been ruled out of the Ranji Trophy due to injury.

Sachin Baby is the team captain and Vishnu Vinod, the wicket-keeper cumnbatsman, is the vice-captain. Kerala's first match in the Elite League will be against Meghalaya from February 17 to 20. The other matches are against Gujarat on March 24 and Madhya Pradesh on March 3. The team also includes five newcomers.

Team: Sachin Baby (capt), Vishnu Vinod (vice-captain, wicket-keeper), Anand Krishnan, Rohan Kunnumel Valsal Govind, Rahul P, Salman Nisar, Jalaj Saxena, Sijo Mon Joseph, Akshay KC Mithun S, Basil NP, Nidheesh MD, Manu Krishnan, Basil Thampi, Fanoos F, Sreesanth S, Varun Nayanar (wicket keeper), Vinoop Manoharan, Eden Apple Tom