Sanju Samson vacates Kochi Blue Tigers leadership role. It was good while it lasted

Kerala Cricket League (KCL) franchise Kochi Blue Tigers on Tuesday announced Mohammed Shanu as vice-captain, taking over from Sanju Samson.

The change in leadership more or less confirms Sanju's exit from the KCL, as he must travel with the Indian team to the UAE for the Asia Cup starting September 9.

On August 31, Sanju smashed a 41-ball 83 to inspire the Blue Tigers to a 3-wicket win over Alleppey Ripples, ensuring a spot in the semifinals.

In his maiden KCL season, Sanju scored 368 runs from five innings, hitting three fifties and a century.

Sanju played under the captaincy of his elder brother Saly, an all-rounder. He did not just accumulate runs for his side, he smashed, hitting the most sixes (30) and scoring at an excellent average of 74.

In the first two matches, Sanju chose to bat down the order. He returned to his preferred opening role for the third match when faced with a record KCL score of 236/5 set by defending champions Kollam Sailors. Sanju hit a powerful 121 off 51 (14 boundaries, 7 sixes) to script a 4-wicket win for his side.

The Blue Tigers had relied heavily on Sanju in their progress to the knockouts, and it would not be easy hereafter, without their talisman.