Kerala made a roaring start to their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025–26 campaign with a crushing 10-wicket victory over Odisha in Lucknow on Wednesday, November 26, thanks to a commanding opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Rohan Kunnummal. The duo produced a flawless chase, underlining Kerala’s intent for the season while showcasing their individual stakes in Indian cricket’s competitive landscape.
Rohan Kunnummal was the standout performer of the match, delivering a breathtaking 121 off just 60 balls. His innings, studded with 10 fours and 10 towering sixes, came at a stunning strike rate of 201.66 and reflected complete dominance over the Odisha bowling unit. The 27-year-old’s aggressive stroke play and fearless approach have long been his trademarks, and this knock further strengthened his growing reputation as one of India’s most dangerous domestic openers.
Kunnummal’s consistency continues to draw attention, especially with the IPL 2026 mini auction approaching. His domestic record—1,136 runs in 34 matches at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 137.36, including two centuries and six half-centuries—adds significant weight to his credentials. Wednesday’s innings will likely elevate his value even further, with several franchises expected to eye him as an ideal top-order aggressor.
While Kunnummal dominated the scoring, Sanju Samson provided the perfect foil with a composed yet impactful 51 off 41 balls. His innings included six boundaries and a six, striking at 124.39, and served as an important statement ahead of India’s upcoming T20I series against South Africa next month. With Shubman Gill currently sidelined due to a neck spasm suffered during the Test series, Samson’s strong start to the domestic campaign arrives at a crucial moment.
After missing out on the playing XI in the final two T20Is against Australia, Samson’s return to form is timely. His ability to shift gears, anchor run chases, and contribute as a wicket-keeper batter makes him a valuable option at the top. His growing synergy with fellow opener Abhishek Sharma has also strengthened his case, and this latest fifty further reinforces his claim for a spot in India’s T20I lineup.
Kerala’s commanding win, built entirely on the back of their openers’ brilliance, signals a confident beginning to their SMAT season. For Samson and Kunnummal, the performance was a powerful reminder of their rising influence and their readiness for bigger challenges ahead.
