The Kerala Cricket League 2025 concluded on Sunday, with Kochi Blue Tigers clinching their maiden title by beating Aries Kollam Sailors in the final.
The Blue Tigers showed dominance throughout the game as they registered a 75-run win in the grand finale. Batting first, the Saly Samson-led side put up a handsome total of 181 runs in 20 overs for the loss of eight wickets. V Manoharan and Alfi Francis John's half-centuries guided the team to the total.
Kollam Sailors were then bowled out for just 106 runs as every Kocji bowler contributed with wickets, including captain Samson.
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India national team star Sanju Samson, who was part of the squad at the initial stages of the tournament, missed the knockout games as he is currently in Dubai with the Men in Blue, preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Samson was picked by Kochi Tigers for a whopping INR 26.8 lakhs and the star wicket-keeper justified his price tag with some quality knocks in the group stages.
READ: 'Keep Sanju Samson as opener in Asia Cup 2025' - Ravi Shastri
Sanju Samson gifts his earnings to Kochi Blue Tigers colleagues
According to a report from 24 News, Samson has reportedly gifted his earnings from this season's KCL to his team-mates and the coaching staff as a goodwill gesture for winning their maiden trophy.
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Sanju Samson's tribute to brother Saly
Sanju also paid a tribute to his brother Saly, who successfully led the Kochi Blue Tigers side. In an Instagram post, dedicated to his brother, the India star wrote: "uper super happy for you My Dear Achaya. All those hard and challenging years you went through,,was all worth it… SALY SAMSON has arrived. And a huge congratulations to all the Kaduvakal of Kochi blue tigers…you all are “Powerful beyond measure”. Special mention to the supporting staffs and The Head Coach @raiphigomez who said we are winning it this year,after the auction..which sounded like a joke then..But now a REALITY… Thanks KCA @keralacricketassociation for setting up this beautiful platform."