In a moment of reckoning for cricket in the region, Sanju Samson, Kerala’s dashing batter and captain of IPL team Rajasthan Royals, made his name in Kerala Cricket League (KCL) history on Saturday. Samson was picked up by Kochi Blue Tigers at a record Rs 26.8 lakhs – easily the biggest bid in the short history of the tournament.
You are big when teams are ready to spend more than 50 percentage of their purse on you.
Sanju Samson , biggest talk of the town in recent times ❤️😎 pic.twitter.com/ZPRXeQTBOd---Advertisement---— naviyo (@naviyoisback) July 5, 2025
This whopping amount eclipses the earlier record of Rs 7.4 lakh, achieved by Trivandrum Royals for M.S. Akhil. The magnitude of the deal reflects not only Samson’s colossal star power but also marks a significant change in the financial dynamics of state domestic T20 leagues. As one of the headline names in the 39-man Category A group, Samson was not surprisingly the hottest name on the auction block, having missed the tournament’s first edition last season.
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A Bidding War for Kerala’s Favourite Son
The bidding war for Samson was hotly contested, highlighting his status as a homeboy hero and game-changer on the pitch. Kochi Blue Tigers ultimately outbid all the competition, sending a clear message about their goals in the KCL. Their bold move not only acquires them a high-profile commander on the pitch but also highlights the increasing professionalism and business sensibilities of the league.
For the 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, this KCL season comes at a defining time. He had a disappointing IPL 2025 season, interrupted by injury after playing nine matches. Despite finishing with 285 runs at a good strike rate of 140.39, his lone half-century and Rajasthan Royals’ ninth-place finish was disappointing, leaving him with something to prove.
A Crucial Comeback Opportunity
This KCL sojourn might be the perfect platform for Samson to reset his game, get match fit, and make a point for greater glory. Not just a domestic excursion, the tournament is a chance for him to reconnect with Kerala cricket particularly after a stormy phase on the state circuit.
In late 2024, Samson was left out of Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy team amidst controversy. His exclusion came after he missed reporting for a training camp in Wayanad, which resulted in widespread outrage among supporters and analysts. Ironically enough, Kerala made a historic achievement during his time away, becoming the first to advance to the Ranji Trophy final before Vidarbha denied them their maiden title.
Although he was the brand ambassador of the first KCL season, Samson did not play last year due to national commitments. His decision to play this time is a big comeback not only to the tournament but also to the soul of Kerala cricket.
A New Chapter in State Cricket
Sanju Samson’s arrival is sure to be a big attraction for supporters, sponsors, and broadcasters in equal measure. Most importantly, it has the potential to turn around his own career as well as the destiny of the Kerala Cricket League. With the tournament growing and gaining more popularity with each passing day, this historic signing will be talked about as the day KCL came of age.
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