Kerala Ranji Trophy 2025: Full Squad Analysis, Strengths, Star Players, Fixtures & Why Kerala Can Stun Everyone
Kerala enters the 2025 Ranji Trophy with a dynamic and diverse squad that blends experienced campaigners with raw local talent. With players like Sanju Samson, Jalaj Saxena, and Basil Thampi forming the core, Kerala is no longer an underdog—they’re here to challenge the elite.

Also Read : Andhra Ranji Trophy Squad 2025: Full Analysis, Key Players, and Winning Edge
Kerala Ranji Trophy 2025 Squad
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Rohan S Kunnummal
- Sachin Baby
- Salman Nizar
- Vishnu Vinod (wk)
- Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk)
- Krishna Prasad
- Abdul Bazith P A
- Anand Krishnan
- Ajith Vasudevan
- Vishnu Raj (wk)
- Shoun Roger
- Vathsal
- Govind Dev D Pai
- Jalaj Saxena
- Akshay Chandran
- B Aparajith
- Sijomon Joseph
- M S Akhil
- Athif Bin Ashraf
- Sharafudheen N M
- Akhil Scaria
- Vinod Kumar C V
- Fanoos F
- Edhen Apple Tom
- Midhun P K
- Basil N P
- Sanju Samson
- Mohammed Azharuddeen
- Vishnu Vinod
- Abhishek J Nair
- Ajnas M
- Varun Nayanar
- Vishnu Raj
- Basil Thampi
- Asif K M
- Midhun S
- Nidheesh M D
- Mohammed Ishaque
- Abijith Praveen V
- A A Sarvate
- Sreehari S Nair
- Riya Basheer P
- Monukrishna
- BIJU NARAYANAN N
- Vishweshar A Suresh
- Adithya Krishnan K
Key Strengths of the Kerala Team
Explosive Batting with Match-Winners
With Sanju Samson, Sachin Baby, and Rohan Kunnummal in the top order, Kerala can dominate from the first session. These players are aggressive, experienced, and capable of converting starts into big hundreds.
All-Round Talent Galore
The all-round department is led by stalwarts like Jalaj Saxena, B Aparajith, and Akshay Chandran, who bring immense balance. They ensure Kerala always has 5+ bowling options while still contributing with the bat.
Strong Pace and Spin Units
Basil Thampi, Asif K M, and Midhun S lead a quality pace attack suited to both flat and seaming wickets. Meanwhile, Sijomon Joseph and Jalaj Saxena provide spin variation and control on turning tracks.
Wicketkeeping Depth
The presence of Sanju Samson, Vishnu Vinod, Mohammed Azharuddeen, and others offers both explosive lower-order batting and excellent glovework, providing tactical flexibility.
Youth Meets Experience
Veterans like Jalaj Saxena, Sanju Samson, and Sachin Baby guide young talents such as Mohammed Ishaque, Govind Dev Pai, and Abdul Bazith P A, forming a strong mentor-protege ecosystem.
Key Matches to Watch for Kerala
While fixtures may depend on group placements, the following matchups could be decisive:
Kerala vs Tamil Nadu
A high-voltage southern derby filled with pride and tradition.
Kerala vs Karnataka
A massive challenge against one of the tournament favorites.
Kerala vs Mumbai
A true test of Kerala’s depth and composure.
Kerala vs Delhi
A competitive clash of balanced sides aiming for the knockouts.
These matches could determine Kerala’s path to the quarterfinals or beyond.
Why Kerala Deserves to Win the Ranji Trophy 2025
Unmatched Team Balance: The mix of experienced stars, strong domestic performers, and fearless newcomers gives Kerala flexibility across conditions. They have specialists for spin, swing, power hitting, and gritty defense.
Leadership & Mental Strength: Sanju Samson’s calm leadership combined with Jalaj Saxena’s domestic experience gives the team a composed yet competitive mindset—ideal for the grind of red-ball cricket.
Proven All-Round Depth: Kerala is one of the few teams with five or more players who can genuinely perform as both batsmen and bowlers. This all-round strength is crucial in four-day cricket.
Rising Domestic Performers: Players like Rohan Kunnummal and Sijomon Joseph have been among the most consistent performers in domestic formats over the past two seasons. Their growth adds teeth to the Kerala core.
Hunger to Create History: Kerala has never won the Ranji Trophy. This new generation is not burdened by history but driven by ambition to bring home the state’s first-ever title—a motivation stronger than any legacy.
Conclusion
Kerala 2025 Ranji Trophy squad is deceptively strong. Behind the laid-back coastal image lies a hungry, fit, and battle-ready unit. With depth in every department and multiple match-winners, Kerala could be the biggest surprise package this season.
Don’t be shocked if they storm into the knockouts and make a title run—Kerala cricket is on the rise, and 2025 could be their breakout year.