Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) enters its third season on Thursday with a question that goes beyond who will lift the trophy: Who steps up to own Kerala’s T20 stage in the absence of Sanju Samson?Sanju, the league’s biggest star and a key figure in Kochi Blue Tigers’ title-winning campaign last season, has opted out citing “personal reasons”. It leaves a void, but also opens the door for a new generation to seize the spotlight. Kochi, led by Sanju’s brother Saly Samson, will have to prove they can defend their crown without their biggest match-winner.“Sanju will be missed. His experience was invaluable last season during our title-winning run. But we have a core team of 10 players who performed for us, with seniors like Basil Thampi,” Saly said.The defending champions, who face Kollam Sailors on Thursday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, however, are not looking beyond the immediate task. “There’s added pressure on us because of the defending champions tag, but we’re confident. We have prepared well for this tournament,” he said.The search for the next breakout star could be the defining subplot of KCL 3. Young players will have an opportunity to turn the league into a springboard to Kerala’s senior side, the IPL and beyond. Saly reckoned the tournament’s unpredictable nature could produce a surprise package.“I believe that KCL has a knack for throwing up surprises. How you perform on the given day is what makes it count. Some young, relatively unknown player might come good and score a ton or pick up a five-for,” he added.The auction has added another layer of intrigue. Alleppey Ripples’ ₹11.8-lakh purchase of Sibin Gireesh made him the league’s most expensive player, while Krishna Devan and Sachin Baby also commanded big bids. Baby’s move to Alleppey, where he will captain the side, adds another interesting storyline as the former Kerala skipper begins a new chapter.The KCA has assembled a 15-member umpiring panel, including former Kerala captain and ICC elite panel umpire K N Ananthapadmanabhan and BCCI Level 2 umpire Tony Emmatty. Two BCCI-panel umpires will officiate in every game.Adding another layer of technology is the Hawk-Eye, which will be used to assist reviews and improve the accuracy of decision-making. With four umpires assigned to every game and Hawk-Eye enhancing the review process, KCL is aiming for greater professionalism.As six teams converge on Greenfield, the moot question remains: Without Sanju, who becomes the new face of Kerala’s T20 cricket?
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