Why Sanju Samson's injury is a blessing in disguise for him and Kerala cricket

Players getting injured is never good news. Cricket fans were worried to see Sanju Samson fracture his index finger during the fifth T20I against England in Mumbai on February 2. According to a BCCI source quoted by the PTI, the star batter is likely to miss upto six weeks and is not expected to return until the IPL beginning March 21.

"Samson has fractured his right index finger. It will take him five to six weeks before he can resume proper nets... In all likelihood, his comeback will happen in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals," the BCCI source said.

Ahead of Kerala's crucial Ranji Trophy group match against Bihar, captain Sachin Baby had hoped Sanju would be available in knockouts. However, it has emerged that Sanju is also likely to miss the remainder of the domestic season.

Though Sanju's absence from the Ranji Trophy will be a huge loss for Kerala, the unfortunate injury might just be a blessing in disguise. That is because both Sanju and the Kerala Cricket Association can avoid the awkwardness of facing each other in the wake of what transpired between them in recent weeks.

KCA President Jayesh George accused Sanju of indiscipline, claiming he walked out on Kerala's preparatory camp at least twice this season. The final straw was Sanju not being part of Kerala's preparation for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. People close to Sanju said he had expressed his availability for the 50-over domestic event, but the KCA leadership ignored him and went with a youngster who participated in the camp. The controversy that emerged last month was dragged further after Sanju's omission from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.

Soon after, Sanju entered the five-match T20 series against England. He had a disappointing series, getting dismissed for 26, 5, 3, 1, and 16 before getting injured by a Jofra Archer delivery.

Kerala will play Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals in Pune from February 8 to 12. The semifinals and final are scheduled to start on February 17 and 26 respectively. During this period, Sanju will complete his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to regain match fitness. Even though Team Kerala head into the best part of its season without its best batter, the situation serves well for both parties.

The domestic season will conclude following the Ranji campaign, and there will be a break before the next season. This gives plenty of time for the tension between Sanju and KCA to dissipate. Hopefully, Kerala will see the best of Sanju in the next domestic season.