On February 21, 2025, Kerala etched their name in the annals of Indian domestic cricket by securing a historic first-ever berth in the Ranji Trophy final. The thrilling semifinal against Gujarat ended in a nail-biting finish, with Kerala advancing on the back of a slender two-run first-innings lead. Set to face Vidarbha in the final starting February 26, 2025, Kerala’s remarkable journey has captivated fans and players alike. While the team celebrated their hard-fought triumph, it was Sanju Samson��s heartfelt reaction?? that added an ??emotional layer to this monumental achievement.

A dream decade in the making

Samson, Kerala’s cricketing poster boy and a prominent figure in Indian cricket, couldn’t contain his excitement despite not being part of the knockout stages. Currently sidelined due to an injury, Samson has been a ??driving force behind Kerala’s rise in domestic cricket over the years.

Taking to Instagram, he shared his emotions with a story that read: “What a moment. Absolutely thrilled to see this happening. A dream we all believed together 10 years ago is just 1 step away boys!! It’s ours. Go get it,” followed by a fire emoji. ??His words reflect a decade-long vision shared by the team and its supporters, now tantalizingly close to fruition.

Instagram stor??y by Sa??nju Samson for Kerala team 🤍

– A match to remember forever in Kerala Sporting history. pic.twitter.com/G5ts8xiN0R

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 21, 2025

The semifinal showdown: Kerala’s grit prevails

The semifinal clash against Gujarat was a rollercoaster of emotions. Kerala posted a modest first-innings total, but their bowlers stepped up magnificently to restrict Gujarat, securing a crucial two-run lead. The match showcased Kerala’s resilience and tactical acumen, qualities that have defined their campaign this season. While Samson wasn’t on the field, his? legacy as a leader and batter for Kerala over the years has undoubtedly inspired this squad to push the boundaries of what was once thought possible for the state in the Ranji Trophy.

Also READ: Con??troversy erupts over Ravi Bishnoi’s concu?ssion substitute during Ranji Trophy semi-final clash between Gujarat and Kerala

Sanju Samson: The absent hero

Though absent from the knockout rounds, Samson’s influence on Kerala cricket remains undeniable. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a cor??nerstone of the team, blending flair with consistency in the domestic circuit. His absence due to national duties and a subsequent injury didn’t dim his passion for his state team. His Instagram message wasn��t just a reaction—it was a rallying cry, a testament to the belief he’s instilled in Kerala cricket over the p??ast decade.

The road ahead: Vidarbha awaits

As Kerala gears up to face Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy 2025 final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Vidarbha, a two-time ch?ampion, will present a formidable challenge, but Kerala’s momentum and newfound confi??dence make them a force to reckon with. The final, scheduled to begin on February 26, 2025, promises to be a clash of grit, skill, and determination. For Kerala, it’s an opportunity to turn a long-cherished dream into reality—a maiden Ranji Trophy title.

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson reveals his alternate career choice if not a cricketer; a?lso expresses his adm??iration for MS Dhoni

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Indian cricketers Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni recently attended a special event together, where the Rajasthan Royals skipper took a momen??t to express his deep admiration for the legendary former India captain. While interacting with the audience, Samson reflected on Dhoni’s immense influence?? in Indian cricket and how his presence in the IPL remains a source of excitement for fans. He acknowledged that every season, discussions around Dhoni’s potential retirement dominate the cricketing world, yet millions, including himself, wish to see the iconic wicketkeeper-batter continue playing.

“When Dhoni is playing in the IPL, people keep talking about when he is retiring. In my mind, I am like, ‘thoda aur bhaiya’ (a little more, brother),” Samson said. His statement resonated with fans who continue to admi?re Dhoni’s presence on the field and hope to see him play for a few more seasons.

Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and leaders in cricket, has been the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for over a decade. Despite stepping ??away from international cricket in 2020, his IPL performances continue to draw massive attention.

Sanju Samson on his alternate career

During the event, Samson was asked an interesting question about what he would have pursued had he not become a cricketer. The Kerala-born batter responded with a surprising yet fitting answer, revealing his admiration for South Indian cinema and legendary actor Rajinikanth.

“Maybe a South Indian movie star like Rajinikanth,” Samson answered, draw??ing cheers and applause f??rom the crowd. His response even caught Dhoni’s attention, who was seen tapping his thighs—a common gesture to show appreciation.

Samson’s love for acting and South Indian films is well-known among his fans, and his choice reflected his admiration for the larger-th??an-life persona of Rajinikanth, one of India’s most celebrated actors.

Also READ: Indian cricketer Sanju S?amson’s father lashes out at KCA after his son’s Champions Troph??y 2025 snub

Dhoni and Samson recreate iconic dialogues

The event became even more entertaining when both cricketers took center stage to deliver some of Rajinikanth’s most famous dialogues from the Tamil blockbuster?? Padayappa.

• Samson confidently recited: “Naan Oru Vaati Sonna, Noor Vaathi Sonna Mathiri” (If I say it once, it’s as good as saying it a hundred times).
• Dhoni, known for his composed demeanor, surprised the audience by delivering another powerful dialogue from the same film: “Yen Vazhi, Thani Vazhi” (My way is the highway).

Their engaging performance left the audience in splits, showcasing their camaraderie an?d mutual appreciation for Tamil cinema. Fans on social media quickly shared clips of the moment, with many expressing how entertaining it was to see their favorite cricke??ters embrace their inner movie stars.

Here is the video:

MS Dhoni ft Sanju Samson
AND RAJNIKANTH
😎👏pic.twitter.com/sT8CfzYDec

— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) February 20, 2025

Samson and Dhoni set to return for IPL 2025

While Samson’s fun side was on display at the event, the wicketkeeper-batter is currently focused on his recovery after sustaining an injury during the final T20I against England earlier this month. With IPL 2025 around the corner, he is working on regaining match fitness in time to lead the Rajasthan Royals?.

Meanwhile, Dhoni, who last played in May 2024 during IPL, is also preparing for his return to the field. In an interesting development, CSK reta?ined him in the uncapped player category ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Since his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has continued to represent CSK with his experience and tactical brilliance, making him one of the most celebrated figures in the league.

Also READ: BC?CI announces complete schedule of IPL 2025; f?inal to take place in Kolkata

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Over the years, several players have waited for an opportunity to prove their skills in Indian cricket. However, none has waited to the extent of Sanju Samson– the sensational wicket-keeper batter who has time and again proved his mettle and waited for consistent chances in Indian cricket.

Recently, Sanju was kept out of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and ODI series against England. Many including Sanju’s father Samson Viswanath have pointed out that the reason behind Sanju’s exclusion from the squad was due to bias against the player by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) officials who snubbed him off featuring for the state’s team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Sanju’s father pointed out at KCA’s bias against his son

Sanju’s father voiced his disappointment over his son’s exclusion from the Kerala squad, a decision that ultimately led to Sanju being left out of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. Although Viswanath refrained from directly criticising KCA, his frustration with the selection process is clearly visible. In an interview with Mathrubhumi.com, he explained that the decision to exclude Sanju from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad was made before the ??training camp even began.

“We’ve never raised our voice before, but this time, the situation is different,” Vishwanath said, alluding to the unfairness he feels his son has endured. However, despite his frustrations, Viswanath stressed the importance of resolving the issue amicably and expressed openness to discussi??ng any potential oversights.

“We just want fairness, and for my son to be given a fair chance to play,” Vishwanath concluded, stressing the importance of equality of opportunity in the Kerala squad f??or his son and hoping that the matter would be a??ddressed with calm and clarity.

Sanju’s exclusion from the Kerala and India squad has sparked widespread controversy, drawing support from public figures like politician Shashi Tharoor, who has called for the KCA to ensure a more transparent and equitable selection process. While Viswanath stopped short of accusing the KCA of any wrongdoing, his comments underscore the emotional toll of the situation, as both he and Sanju hope for an opportunity to compete at the highe??st level, free from the influence of internal politics.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Shashi T??haroor blasts KCA after Sanju Samson’s exclusion from Team India’s squad

KCA revealed reasons behind Sanju’s exclusion from the Kerala squad

Amidst widespread criticism from the cricketing community over the exclusion row, the KCA President Jayesh George explained the reason why the 30-year-old was left out from the state’s team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy during a discussion with MediaOne.

“I am not sure if Samson missing the tournament was the reason he was excluded. The reason he was not added in the Vijay Hazare squad was because he sent a one-line text saying he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp. We were all of the impression that he would be leading the team since he is our white-ball captain and had led in the SMAT season as well,” George said.

However, George denied any punitive action against Sanju and further added that the decision of Sanju’s exclusion from the team was only due to the compliance with the state team’s rules and regulations.

“We went ahead and announced the squad and later he sent a message stating he is available for selection. Be it Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy in place that needs to be respected. We all know that Sanju does not need a camp to come into the squad, but is the Kerala team one that he can come and represent only when he feels like? How did Samson reach the Indian team, it was only through the KCA. That doesn’t mean you turn up only when you feel like for the Kerala team,” George concluded.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma expresses dream?? to bri??ng World Cup glory at the iconic Wankhede Stadium

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Sanju Samson‘s omission from India’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked significant debate within the cricketing community. Despite being in sensational form, having scored three centuries in his last five T20I innings and registering a ton in his recent ODI outing against South Africa in Dece?mber 2024, Samso?n found himself overlooked by the selectors.

Shashi Tharoor criticizes KCA’s mismanagement

Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP, has publicly criticized the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for mishandling Samson’s case, blaming their rigid policies for his exclusion. Samson informed KCA well in advance about his unavailability for a preparatory camp ahead of the squad selection. However, the KCA enforced their rule that players must attend these camps, which led to Samson’s exclusion from the squad. Tharoor pointed out that Samson’s omission from the team was primarily because of his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024, where Kerala fell short of? reaching the quarter-final??s.

“The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson — the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad — has now resulted in Sanju’s exclusion from the Indian team,” Tharoor wrote on social media

Tharoor highlighted how the KCA’s short-sightedness and rigid approach have now led to Kerala’s cricketing decline, and Samson’s exclusion from a major ODI tournament. Tharoor raised pertinent questions, asking whether it was fair for KCA to penalize a player of Samson’s caliber over administrative differences.

“A batsman who has a highest score of 212* in the Hazare, who averages 56.66 in ODIs for India (including a century in his last outing, against South Africa) is having his career destroyed by the egos of cricket administrators. Doesn’t it bother the KCA bosses that by leaving Sanju out, they ensured Kerala didn’t even reach the quarter-finals of the Hazare? Where does this leave him?,” Tharoor concluded.

The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson — the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad — has now resulted in�?/p>

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 18, 2025

Also READ: Ajit Agarkar reveals why Mohammed Siraj wasn’t selected ?for Champi??ons Trophy 2025

Sanju Samson’s recent form and achievements

Samson, who has captained Kerala in various domestic tournaments, has been in incredible form lately. He led Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, where his team won four out of six matches but narrowly missed qualifying for the knockouts. Samson also scored two centuries during India’s T20I tour of South Africa in November 2024, showing that his form in the shor?test format remains formidable.

His consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is have kept him in the selectors’ radar, but his lack of participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy ultimately cost him a chance to make it to the Champions Trophy squad. Despite his excellent record, including his century in the last ODI against South Africa and his standout performances in domestic tournaments, the management leaned towards selecting Rishabh Pant, who featured prominently in the T20 World Cup 2024, instead of Samson.

Samson’s future with the Indian team

While Samson is still part of the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, starting January 22 in Kolkata, his omission from the Champions Trophy highlights the precarious position he finds himself in. His absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy has now become a crucial factor in his exclusion, and his fate in future ODIs remains uncertain unless the KCA resolves the?? situation and grants him a fair opportunity to perform.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma explains why Mohammed Siraj hasn’t? been picked in the Indian squad for Champions Trophy 2025

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a decision that has stirred considerable debate among cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed on Saturday (January 18) that Rishabh Pant has been selected in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference held by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian captain Rohit Sharma, where ?the squad for the tournament was unveiled.

Fans express discontent over Sanju Samson’s exclusion

The decision to favour Pant, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances in recent matches, has led to an outpouring of frustration from fans on social media. Many have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, questioning why Pant continues to be preferred despite Sanju Samson‘s impressive form in white-ball cricket.

One fan tweeted, “Why always him? while the other wrote: “No Sanju Samson in Champions Trophy. You should feel bad for Sanju. They sel?ected Pant on the basis of favouritism.”

No Sanju Samson in Champions Trophy.

You should feel bad for Sanju. They selected Pant on the basis of favouritism. 💔 pic.twitter.com/RK5zW144ry

— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) January 18, 2025

Gautam Gambhir forget Sanju Samson since he tweeted about him.
Sanj??u Samson is 10 times better white ball WK batsman? than Rishabh Pant.

Unfortunately Sanju has no PR team like Rishabh Pant. #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/Da5bFPVwEK

— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08) January 18, 2025

Despite Sanju Samson averaging almost 57 scored match winning 💯 in his last ODI, 3 100s ?in his last 5 T20i dropped from the CT whereas Pant has been consistently failing, just another prime example of how good PR can save you without performance.

Shame on @ImRo45@imAagarkar pic.twitter.com/FHlQjFxdSo

— Rosh🧢 (@samson_zype) January 18, 2025

Samson has been in sensational form, while Pant hasn’t delivered consistently. Samson’s exclusion is particularly contentious given his strong showing in white-ball cricket leading up to the selection.

Sanju Samson doesn’t h??ave a strong PR and Mumbai Lobby support like Rishabh Pant who is playing in this ODI Team without any performance .

Sanju Samson deserves better 🙂💔

— Kohlify_18 (@18_kohlify) January 18, 2025

Team India matches in Champions Trophy 2025

India are set to begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23. The pressure will be on Pant to perform well and justif??y his selection, especially given the scrutiny he faces from fans a?nd experts.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma explains why?? Mohammed Siraj hasn’t been picked in the Indian squad for Champions Trop??hy 2025

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Sanju Samson, the prominent India cricketer hailing from Kerala, has made headlines recently for his exclusion from the state’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 squad due to disciplinary issues. This decision comes on the heels of his leadership role in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, where he showcased impressive form. However, his absence from a crucial preparatory camp has led to s??ignificant repercussions for bot??h him and the Kerala team.

The camp that changed everything for Sanju Samson

Samson was initially included in a 30-member probable list for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, he failed to attend a three-day training camp held in Wayanad, where the team engaged in two practice matches. According to KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar, Samson communicated via email that he would not be available for the camp, which ultimately influenced the selectors’ decision to exclude him from the final squad of 19 players.

“Sanju had sent an email stating that he would not be available f?or the camp. The team had a short camp in Wayanad witho?ut him. Naturally, we only considered those who were part of the sessions for selection. There has been no further discussion with him on the matter,�?/em> Kumar as quoted by The Indian Express.