In what could be an emotional and intense reunion on the cricket pitch, Sanju Samson and his older brother Saly Samson will share the field together in the coming season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), which commences on August 21.
Kochi Blue Tigers made a blockbuster signing by recruiting Sanju Samson for a record Rs 26.8 lakh during the KCL auction, the biggest in the league’s history so far. Saly Samson, who was with the team even during the previous season, was retained at his base price of Rs 75,000.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the two siblings who learned the game in the backyards of Pulluvila, Kerala to share the field in a professional environment. In an exclusive conversation with MyKhel, Saly Samson was filled with enthusiasm and pride.
“The feeling is actually good. I’m excited to play along with him because it’s been a very long time since we’ve played together. I’m really looking forward to it,” Saly said with a smile.
A Tale of Two Brothers: One Household, Two Cricketing Journeys
While Sanju Samson is now a regular name in Indian cricket, having represented India and starred in the IPL, Saly’s journey has taken a more challenging route.
He was a talented young cricketer who played for Kerala at age-group levels. But a career-ending injury kept him out of the game for close to four years, shelving his dreams. But with grit and understated determination, Saly returned to competitive cricket garnering respect among Kerala’s cricket fraternity.
Sanju himself has had good words about his brother’s determination, frequently giving credit to Saly as a quiet but unshakeable pillar of strength while he grew up.
“He never complained. But I know the effort it took for him to come back to the game after what he had to endure,” Sanju was once quoted saying in an interview.
Behind the scenes, Saly juggles cricket with his career at the Accountant General’s (AG) Office in Kerala. But despite the double duty, his love for the game remains strong.
“Just feel it is part of life. Things do happen. It didn’t do much to me. I can’t say that I made a comeback or something. It’s just cricket. I’m just enjoying it the way it comes,” argued the older Samson, echoing his unruffled attitude.
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The Samson Family: Quiet Sacrifices, Loud Results
The Samson family had previously moved from Delhi to Kerala so that young Sanju could realize his cricket dreams a move that altered the course of their lives. Saly, the elder brother, recognized Sanju’s potential early on and has remained the unobtrusive driving force behind his success.
In contrast to the loud, social-media-fueled patronage available to many cricketers, the Samson brothers have an intensely private, wordless understanding.
“Internally, we have the bond. That’s how we both are. Nothing much outside. Just a person who does things silently,” Saly explained, encapsulating their low-key but close-knit relationship.
KCL 2025: A New Chapter for the Samson Brothers
With both brothers wearing the Kochi Blue Tigers jersey this season, the team will be hoping for the “Samson synergy” to pay dividends on the field. While Sanju brings international experience, Saly brings experience, composure, and a story of perseverance that can motivate the team and fans alike.
Whether or not the partnership creates fireworks on the scorecard, one thing is for sure: this reunion is about more than cricket. It’s about family, grit, and love.
And for the cricket-worshiping folk of God’s Own Country, seeing the Samson brothers together on the field may be one of the sweetest storylines of the season.