After a historic maiden final appearance in the Ranji Trophy last season, Team Kerala will be led by a new captain for a fresh campaign of the prestigious first-class event starting October 15.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) on Friday announced wicketkeeper batter Mohammed Azharuddeen as skipper, replacing Sachin Baby. The 15-member squad comprises former captain Sanju Samson, who had a falling out with the KCA toward the end of the previous Ranji Trophy campaign.

Regulars Rohan S Kunnummal, M D Nidheesh and Salman Nizar are also in the squad that features two guest players - Baba Aparajith and Ankit Sharma. Surprisingly, Tamil Nadu-native Aparajith has been named vice-captain of the side even with Sanju and Sachin in the squad.

Amay Khurasiya continues as head coach of the senior squad. Kerala will play their first Ranji Trophy match of the season against Maharashtra at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, starting October 15.

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Kerala squad: Mohammed Azharuddeen, Baba Aparajith, Sanju Samson, Sachin Baby, Rohan S Kunnumal, Vathsal Govind, Akshay Chandran, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, MD Nidheesh, Basil NP, Edhen Apple Tom, Ahammed Imran, Shoun Roger, Abhishek P Nair. Head coach: Amay Khurasiya

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