How Kerala’s star players are fading from Indian Cricket’s Horizon

Kerala has consistently been a breeding ground for cricketing talent, producing players who have showcased exceptional skills and potential on domestic and international grounds. Yet, when it comes to selection for crucial matches, a perplexing pattern emerges—Kerala players are frequently sidelined. Despite proving their mettle, players like Samson, Basil Thampi, Sachin Baby, Sandeep Warrier, Mohammed Azharuddin, amongst others, have faced exclusion, raising questions about the fairness and vision of the selection process.

Sanju Samson: The high voltage keeper and batsman
Sanju Samson’s name resonates strongly in Indian cricket circles. As a wicket keeper- batsman, Samson has demonstrated brilliance in domestic cricket and the IPL. His elegant batting style, coupled with an ability to anchor innings under pressure, makes him a standout performer. Yet, his sporadic appearances for the national team have left fans and critics scratching their heads. 
Time and again, Samson has shown that he belongs on the big stage. His IPL performances for Rajasthan Royals, where he’s often been the backbone of the batting lineup, highlights his consistency and temperament. Critic argue that whole other players with similar performances have received longer ropes, Samson’s opportunities have been limited, leading to an unfulfilled potential on the international stage. Even in the state, he is overlooked. Take the case of Vijay Hazare trophy. He was sidelined in the selection process from playing eleven, even now it is still undecided whether he will be a part of the team or not.

Basil Thampi: The Forgotten Pacer
Basil Thampi, a promising fast bowler from Kerala, is another example of overlooked talent. Known for his ability to deliver yorker with precision, Thampi’s performances in domestic cricket and the IPL earned his recognition. Yet, despite his impressive skill, he has found it challenging to break into the national team consistently. This missed opportunity not only curtailed Thampi’s growth but has also deprived the Indian team of a potentially lethal bowler in crucial matches. 

Mohammed Azharuddeen: The explosive opener
Mohammed Azharuddeen grabbed headlines with his outstanding performances in the domestic cricket, including a 37-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. His aggressive batting style and ability to adapt to different formats make him a valuable asset. Despite these achievements, Azharuddeen has not been able to transition to the bogger stages, leaving fans and experts questioning the selection policies. 

Kerala’s cricket narrative is not just about Samson, Thampi, and Azharuddin. Players like Sachin Baby, Sandeep Warrier, and Rohan Prem have also displayed immense potential but have not been given the chances they deserve. This trend points to a systemic issue where talent from non-traditional cricket hubs is often sidelined in favor of players from more prominent regions.  

The question is not just about sidelining talented players; it is about the cricketing legacy we want to leave behind. Can Indian cricket afford to overlook brilliance, no matter where it comes from?