# kca appoints sanju samson as captain for smat **KCA Appoints Sanju Samson as Captain for SMAT** **[The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA)](https://100topnews.in/sports/kca-appoints-sanju-samson-as-captain-for-smat/)** has officially appointed Sanju Samson as the captain of the Kerala team for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The decision comes as part of the KCA's efforts to build a strong, balanced squad and ensure the team is led by an experienced and dynamic captain who can inspire success in the prestigious domestic T20 tournament. **A Well-Deserved Appointment** Sanju Samson, who has established himself as one of the most promising wicket-keeper batsmen in Indian cricket, has been a mainstay for Kerala over the years. With his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he captains Rajasthan Royals, and his consistent displays in domestic cricket, the KCA believes he is the right man to lead Kerala’s charge in the SMAT. Samson has been in excellent form, both as a leader and as a batsman, making him an ideal choice for the captaincy. His ability to handle pressure, read the game, and lead by example with the bat are key qualities that the KCA is hoping to harness in the coming months. **A Leader for the Future** This new leadership role will give Samson the opportunity to showcase his captaincy skills on the domestic front. He has already demonstrated his leadership capabilities with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and his calm and composed demeanor under pressure has earned him widespread praise. "Sanju is a mature and astute cricketer, and we have full confidence that he will bring a fresh approach to Kerala's campaign in the SMAT. His experience in international and IPL cricket makes him an invaluable asset to the team," said KCA president, Jayesh George, in an official statement. Samson has been a part of the Kerala squad for several years and has been instrumental in guiding the team to many memorable victories. Under his captaincy, Kerala will look to make a strong impact in the SMAT 2024 and build on their recent successes in domestic cricket. **Kerala’s Squad for SMAT 2024** The KCA has assembled a balanced squad for the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. While the team is still in the process of finalizing its final lineup, Samson's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the team's strategies and helping the players to perform to their potential. Apart from Samson, Kerala boasts several talented players, including top-order batsmen like Sachin Baby, Rohan Prem, and young fast bowler Shahbaz Khan, all of whom will play crucial roles in the upcoming tournament. **Looking Ahead** The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 will begin with the league phase, where Kerala will compete against other regional teams in a round-robin format. Given Kerala's strong squad and the leadership of Sanju Samson, the team is optimistic about making a deep run in the tournament and possibly clinching the title. **[This appointment of Sanju Samson as the captain](https://100topnews.in/sports/kca-appoints-sanju-samson-as-captain-for-smat/)** of Kerala for the SMAT signals a new chapter for the team, as they aim to elevate their game and leave a lasting impression in domestic cricket's premier T20 competition. With a captain of Sanju Samson’s caliber at the helm, Kerala will be a team to watch out for in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.