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Follow UsMumbai Indians (MI) wicketkeeper batter Vishnu Vinod is arguably the biggest name in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) edition. The hard-hitting batter, who is one of the best players to emerge from the state, has been on a tear in T20 cricket of late, having amassed 741 runs since the start of 2021 at an average of 49.6 and strike rate of 151.2.
In the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the right-hander hammered 363 runs at a strike rate of 160.61. He will represent the Thrissur Titans in KCL 2024.
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Sachin Baby will be leading the Aries Kollam Sailors in the inaugural KCL. Despite being 35 years old, Sachin is in the midst of a second wind of sorts, batting as well as he ever has.
In the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy, the left-hander finished as the second-highest run-getter, amassing 830 runs at an average of 83.00, smashing four tons and four fifties. One of Kerala’s most decorated batters, Sachin would love nothing more than to lead Kollam to the title in the inaugural KCL.
The run-machine from Pallakad, Rohan Kunnummal, will represent the Calicut Globstars in KCL 2024. The right-hander, who has an average over 45 in first-class and List-A cricket and averages over 33 in T20s, was the second-highest run-getter for Kerala in SMAT 2024 behind Vinod, amassing 240 runs at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 134.83. He even registered a ton against Sikkim.
The 26-year-old, who is considered the future of Kerala’s batting, will undoubtedly be looking to make a big mark in KCL 2024.
KCL 2024 is set to provide a chance for Mohammed Azharuddeen, the forgotten man of Kerala cricket, to put himself on the map again. Azharuddeen came to the limelight in 2021 through a staggering 137* (54) against Mumbai in SMAT and then got picked up by RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a result, but he’s struggled to hit greater heights since then.
In SMAT 2023, he scored 22 runs in three innings before being dropped. But he had an encouraging Ranji campaign - 206 runs @ 51.50 - which proved that he’s still more than capable of making an impact.
A big few weeks lie ahead for the 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who will be captaining the Alleppey Ripples.
The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer will undoubtedly have a point to prove after going unsold at the IPL 2024 auction.
Asif, a fiery customer, is without question one of the best seamers in the state. Since the start of 2021, he is the highest wicket-taker for Kerala in T20s, having picked up 25 wickets at an economy of 8.3. That being said, he had a very underwhelming SMAT 2023 campaign, taking just four wickets in five games at an economy of 9.77.
KCL 2024 serves as a platform for the 31-year-old to get back on track. A strong showing here could land him yet another IPL contract. The right-armer will be representing the Aries Kollam Sailors.
Another speedster who will be in the spotlight in KCL 2024 is Basil Thampi. Thampi is one of three Kerala bowlers to take 20+ T20 wickets in the last three years, and he will enter KCL 2024 on the back of a very good Ranji 2023/24 campaign, where he picked up 24 wickets at an average of 24.20. There, Thampi had an outstanding strike rate of 43.1.
He will make life hell for batters over the next few weeks if he brings out a similar avatar. Thampi will play for the Kochi Blue Tigers.
Another player who is set to light up KCL 2024 is none other than the big-hitting Abdul Basith. The 25-year-old, who made a solitary appearance in IPL 2023 for RR as an Impact sub, has been one of the most consistent performers for the state in T20s in the last three years, averaging 44 with the bat while striking at nearly 140.
He was Kerala’s third-highest run-getter in SMAT 2023, where he averaged 53.00, and he ended the competition with scores of 54 and 46*, batting down the order. Basith will represent the Trivandrum Royals in KCL 2024.
Others who could potentially light up KCL 2024
Salman Nizar: The 27-year-old from Thalassery has been averaging 61 in T20s since the start of 2021. He batted in the middle-order for Kerala in SMAT 2023 and averaged 75.00. He could accumulate some big runs for Calicut Globstars.
Vaisakh Chandran: Watch out for Vaisakh Chandran’s nifty off-spin in KCL 2024. The 28-year-old from Trivandrum has been the most economical Kerala bowler in T20s in the last three years, with his economy reading 5.8. He could prove to be the Thrissur Titans’ trump card.
Sijomon Joseph: 26-year-old Sijomon Joseph has quietly turned into one of Kerala’s most reliable bowlers in the last couple of years. The left-arm spinner starred with the ball in SMAT 2023, taking nine wickets at an economy of 6.48. Since the start of 2021, he has taken 19 wickets in T20s at an average of 19.7 and an economy of 6.6. He is set to be a big weapon for the Kochi Blue Tigers.
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