Indian dressing room in awe of talent in Kerala cricket: Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson said the Indian dressing room was in awe of the talent in Kerala cricket. The star wicketkeeper batter made the remark during the launch of Kerala Cricket League (KCL) season-2 in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

"With all the talent and potential we have, I honestly believe.. not only me, the normal talk in the Indian dressing room is that 'Uyyo the talent in Kerala cricket is massive'," Sanju said. "Our cricketers have immense potential, more than we imagine." ('uyyo' is an interjection in Malayalam used to express a range of emotions, mainly excitement or shock. In this case, it is excitement).

Sanju had missed the inaugural season of KCL, but will play the upcoming season, having been roped in by the Kochi Blue Tigers for a record ₹26.8 lakh at the recent auction.

Sanju, who captains Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) said he has high expectations from the KCL, which is a six-franchise affair. The second season is scheduled to be played from August 22 to September 7.

"This KCL, which is organised by the KCA (Kerala Cricket Association), is a great platform. I feel that KCL should be one of the best leagues in the domestic circuit in the next five years," Sanju said. Vignesh Puthur, who was one of the breakout stars of the last IPL season, with Mumbai Indians, first got a break with Alleppey Ripples in the KCL.

Sanju had a remarkable 2024, in which he was part of the Indian team that lifted the T20 World Cup. He also scored three T20I centuries last year, twice against South Africa.