Samson brothers to light up Kerala Cricket League as Kochi Blue Tigers sign both Sanju and Saly

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and his brother Saly Samson are set to play together for the Kochi Blue Tigers in the upcoming season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). While Sanju fetched a record-breaking bid of ₹26.80 lakh, Saly was retained by Kochi for his base price of ₹75,000.

Saly, who also represented Kochi last season, did not attract bids from any other teams during the auction, paving the way for Kochi to buy him back without contest. In contrast, Sanju Samson sparked a fierce bidding war between Thrissur Titans and Trivandrum Royals, before Kochi Blue Tigers secured him for nearly nine times his base price of ₹3 lakh — making him the most expensive player in KCL history.

Previously, the record for the highest bid in the league was held by MS Akhil, who was bought by Trivandrum Royals for ₹7.40 lakh in the last season. Akhil continued to attract significant interest this year as well, eventually being picked up by Aries Kollam Sailors for ₹8.40 lakh.

With Sanju's marquee presence and Saly's continued inclusion, Kochi Blue Tigers look poised to field a strong side this season. The sibling pairing adds a unique narrative to the tournament, one that is likely to draw attention from fans across the state.

Meanwhile, teenage left-arm spinner Vignesh Puthur’s services were retained by Alleppey Ripples for the second edition.