The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 kicked off with fireworks, and the Kerala cricket team lit up the stage in commanding fashion. In what turned out to be one of the most memorable opening matches of the domestic T20 season, Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow: Kerala defeated Odisha by a staggering 10-wicket margin, chasing a challenging total with 21 balls to spare.

But the real story of the match was the spectacular opening partnership between Rohan Kunnummal and Sanju Samson, who together orchestrated a batting masterclass.

Kunnummal’s 121 off 60 balls* was nothing short of breathtaking — an innings drenched in aggression, timing, and sheer dominance. His captain, the ever-reliable Sanju Samson, complemented him beautifully with a steady yet fluent 51 off 41 balls*, making the chase look like a walk in the park.

“The tactical execution in the death overs by Nidheesh and K.M. Asif (2/24) was foundational. They successfully contained the damage, leaving a manageable equation for the batters. This discipline was the unseen hand that set the stage for the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow.”

A Humbling Start: Kerala’s Intent Unveiled in Lucknow and the Weight of Expectation

The crisp autumnal air of Lucknow set the stage for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament. For the Kerala side, this campaign carried not just the routine ambition of a title, but the added weight of expectation following a period of flux in their longer-format outings. The white-ball format, traditionally their strength, was viewed as an opportunity for redemption and, more importantly, a declaration of their cricketing pedigree.

Leading this charge was the dynamic skipper, Sanju Samson. His recent high-profile move to the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, coupled with his persistent presence in the national team, meant every stroke he played was scrutinised under a powerful lens. The team’s opening fixture against Odisha was, therefore, not merely a statistical entry in the ledger, but a crucial psychological marker—a statement of intent to their competitors across Elite Group A.

The result was a spectacle of white-ball dominance that left little doubt about Kerala’s firepower. A 10-wicket victory, achieved by chasing a competitive target of 177 with 21 deliveries still in hand, is the stuff of T20 dreams. It speaks to a level of clinical aggression and efficiency that separates contenders from the rest. It was a performance that embodied the ‘humane’ spirit of cricket—a balance of ruthless execution and stylish flair.

The Stage Setting in Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow: Odisha’s Competitive Effort and Kerala’s Strategic Bowling

The toss is often deemed a minor victory in T20 cricket, and Kerala’s decision to field first indicated a belief in their chasing capabilities and a desire to assess the pitch dynamics early.

The Odisha Innings: Anchor and Accelerate

Odisha, determined to prove their mettle, structured their innings around resilience and calculated acceleration.

• The Anchor: Skipper Biplab Samantray played a responsible, anchoring role. His innings of 53 off 41 balls wasn’t laced with flamboyant strokes, but provided the crucial bedrock upon which the middle order could build. This ‘old-school’ T20 approach of batting deep and ensuring stability is often overlooked but proves vital when the pitch offers variable bounce.
• The Contributors: Crucial support came from Sambit S Baral (40) and the late cameo by Gaurav Choudhary (29). Their contributions were spread across the middle overs, ensuring that Kerala’s bowlers never had a comfortable period of control. The team’s final total of 176 for 7 was respectable, demanding a strong response from the chasing side.

The Strategic Bowling Attack: The Rise of MD Nidheesh

The key to restricting Odisha from crossing the 185-run mark was the strategic brilliance and execution of the Kerala bowling unit. The spotlight fell firmly on the pace-bowling spearhead, MD Nidheesh.

Nidheesh’s performance was a masterclass in T20 pace bowling: a blend of disciplined line, subtle changes of pace, and accurate yorkers. He utilised the cross-seam delivery and the slower-ball bouncer effectively, disrupting the rhythm of the Odisha batters, particularly during the critical death overs.

Nidheesh’s Figures: The pacer returned impressive figures of 4 wickets for 35 runs in his four overs. His dismissals were pivotal, breaking the momentum of the established partnerships and ensuring the target remained within a manageable threshold for the Kerala openers.

This bowling effort, often overshadowed by the subsequent batting fireworks, was the invisible foundation upon which the victory was built. It was a testament to the team’s balance—knowing that even a power-packed batting line-up requires a solid effort from the bowlers.

The Conflagration: Rohan Kunnummal’s Centurion Masterpiece

When Kerala’s openers strode out, the equation was straightforward: 177 runs to win at an asking rate of 8.85 runs per over. With the kind of deep batting lineup Kerala possesses, this was a challenging but achievable target. What followed, however, was not merely a run chase but a brutal, systematic dismantling of the target, spearheaded by the electrifying Rohan Kunnummal. The opening pair launched a relentless and brutal assault—this was the moment the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow truly began to blow, setting a scorching pace no team could match.

Player Profile: Rohan Kunnummal – The Young Hurricane

A product of Kerala’s robust age-group cricket, Kunnummal has often been touted as a future star. His game is built on a strong base, quick hands, and an almost inherent ability to find the boundary. What was striking in this innings was his mental clarity. He didn’t just swing; he chose his moments, targeting specific bowlers and areas of the field with precision.

• The Assault: Kunnummal’s onslaught began immediately. He showcased a phenomenal range of shots—the lofted cover drive over extra cover, the ferocious pull shot off the short ball, and the majestic straight drive over the bowler’s head. He treated the off-spinner and the pace bowler with equal disdain.
• The Power Numbers: He reached his century in a flash, clocking his second T20 hundred emphatically. His final score of an unbeaten 121 came off just 60 deliveries, played at a breathtaking strike rate of 201.66. The boundary count was a symmetric display of power: 10 fours and 10 towering sixes. The six-hitting ability, in particular, demonstrated his exceptional power and timing. His sixes weren’t just clearing the ropes; they were often landing deep into the stands, leaving the Odisha fielders demoralised.

Tactical Breakdown of 121*: Kunnummal’s strategy appeared to be a blend of aggression against the faster bowlers in the powerplay (where he capitalized on the field restrictions) and calculated risk against the spin duo, ensuring the required run rate was always comfortably within reach. His ability to maintain a strike rate above 200 for a 60-ball innings is a rare statistical feat in domestic T20 cricket, highlighting world-class potential.

The Anchor and Architect: Sanju Samson’s Captain’s Fifty

While Kunnummal’s innings was the headline-grabber, the role played by Captain Sanju Samson was a masterclass in T20 partnership dynamics. His contribution of an unbeaten 51 off 41 balls must be analysed not in isolation, but in the context of the chase.

The opening match of Kerala’s campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 was not merely a victory; it was an absolute domination, a force of nature so overwhelming it demanded a unique descriptor: the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow.

This unparalleled power was unleashed by the partnership of Rohan Kunnummal and Sanju Samson, whose combined Centurion Blast and Captain’s Knock perfectly encapsulated the icy precision and destructive momentum inherent in the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow.

Their record-breaking, unbeaten 177-run stand utterly dismantled Odisha’s competitive total, transforming the steep chase into a swift 10-wicket rout executed in just 16.3 overs. This powerful, definitive performance has immediately positioned Kerala as a formidable title contender, confirming that the full strength of the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow has been well and truly unleashed this season.

Player Profile: Sanju Samson – The Mature Leader

Samson is known for his spectacular hitting and ability to take games away from the opposition single-handedly. However, in this innings, he demonstrated his evolving maturity as a leader.

• The Role Adjustment: With Kunnummal operating at a dizzying strike rate, Samson recognised that the team did not need two players hitting at 200. His primary objective shifted from maximum aggression to maximum stability and effective strike rotation. He shielded Kunnummal from the strike when the youngster was taking on a particular bowler and, crucially, ensured he was on strike when the momentum needed to be maintained.
• Strategic Stroke Play: Samson’s innings, while carrying a seemingly modest strike rate of 124.39 compared to his partner’s, was surgically precise. He hit 6 fours and 1 six, picking his moments with the finesse of a seasoned player. His boundaries often came off the balls that deserved to be hit, relieving any pressure that the bowlers might attempt to build.
• The Partnership Integrity: The unbroken 177-run partnership is the true measure of their success. The most significant statistic in a 10-wicket victory is the zero wickets lost. Samson ensured that the team’s highest-run accumulator was never at risk of exposure to a new batsman. His steady presence was the psychological bedrock that allowed Kunnummal the ultimate freedom to play an uninhibited game.

“The captain’s role is not always to score the fastest; sometimes it is to score the smartest.” – A hypothetical quote encapsulating Samson’s innings.

The victory was sealed in the 16.3 overs, with Samson fittingly hitting the winning runs to complete his own half-century. It was the perfect, harmonious conclusion to a clinical chase.

Why This Victory Matters: Momentum, Selection, and Franchise Impact

This dominant 10-wicket victory over Odisha is far more than two points in the league table. It carries profound implications for the Kerala team, the players, and the larger ecosystem of Indian cricket.

Momentum and Group Standings in Elite Group A

Kerala is placed in Elite Group A, one of the toughest pools in the SMAT, featuring heavyweights like Mumbai and Vidarbha.

• Net Run Rate (NRR) Boost: A 10-wicket win with 21 balls remaining provides a phenomenal boost to the Net Run Rate, a factor that often proves decisive in qualifying for the knockout stages. This massive NRR advantage acts as a buffer in case of a close loss later in the tournament.
• Psychological Edge: Starting a major tournament with a demolition job sends a chilling message to the other teams. Kerala has established itself immediately as a top contender, forcing opponents to rethink their strategies.

The Case for Rohan Kunnummal: National and IPL Spotlight

This century is a pivotal moment in Kunnummal’s career. The SMAT is the direct selection pool for the IPL and the national team’s T20 setup.

• IPL Mega Auction Relevance: With the IPL Mega Auction looming, a 60-ball 121* at a 200+ strike rate is the kind of statistic that immediately pushes a player into the highest bracket of T20 specialists. Franchises are constantly searching for explosive domestic openers, and Kunnummal has delivered the perfect audition.
• National T20 Consideration: India is constantly evolving its T20 setup, prioritising players who can operate at a high strike rate from the first ball. Kunnummal has successfully demonstrated that capability, potentially putting him on the radar for the next rotation cycle of the national T20 squad.

Samson’s Evolving Leadership Narrative

For Sanju Samson, this performance, both as a batsman and a captain, is crucial for his public and professional narrative.

• The Chennai Super Kings Context: Having moved to a team like CSK, which values team contribution and situational awareness above pure individual brilliance, Samson’s decision to play the supporting role is extremely valuable. It demonstrates his capacity to adapt his game for the team’s success—a trait highly valued by franchise leadership.
• Long-Term Captaincy Ambitions: By steering the team to such a dominant victory while strategically adjusting his batting, Samson strengthens his credentials as a mature, tactically astute leader capable of mentoring young talent like Kunnummal.

Samson’s Selflessness: Guiding the Blizzard

The unsung hero remains Sanju Samson. His decision to play a steady, strike-rotating Captain’s Knock alongside the explosive Kunnummal was a masterclass in leadership. He understood that two aggressors often lead to unnecessary risks, which can quickly halt the momentum of the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow.

By focusing on singles and ensuring Kunnummal faced the maximum number of deliveries, Samson maximised the team’s scoring potential while minimising risk. This selfless act ensured the partnership was impenetrable and guaranteed the record-breaking chase. Such strategic awareness is precisely what the Kerala team needs to maintain the intensity and focus required to sustain the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow throughout a lengthy tournament.

The astonishing 177 opening stand that delivered Kerala’s 10-Wicket SMAT 2025 Rout was the definitive expression of the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow, a performance so dominant that the term Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow became the immediate, apt description.

The sheer destructive force of Rohan Kunnummal’s Centurion Blast was the epicentre of the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow, while Sanju Samson’s Captain’s Knock provided the strategic stability necessary to sustain the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow without losing a wicket. This combined might of the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow not only secured the victory but also shattered the tournament record, proving that when Kerala’s top order ignites, the resulting Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow are absolutely unstoppable by any opposition.

Kerala: A Formidable Force—Looking Ahead in SMAT 2025

The synergy displayed between the bowling attack (MD Nidheesh’s ruthlessness) and the batting artillery (the Kunnummal-Samson partnership) signals that Kerala is, without doubt, one of the most balanced and potent sides in the SMAT 2025 tournament.

Their objective remains clear: to capture their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. To achieve this, they will need to replicate this clinical consistency against the likes of Mumbai and Vidarbha. This opening victory is more than a promising start; it is a blueprint for success—a testament to aggressive cricket played with a cool head and a clear plan.

The humanistic element of this win lies in the passing of the baton—the young, fearless Kunnummal being mentored and supported by the experienced, composed Samson. It is a story of partnership, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the beautiful game of cricket.

Tactical Depth: The Kerala Formula

The tactical genius behind the 10-Wicket SMAT 2025 Rout lies not just in the individual brilliance but in the calculated formula deployed by the Kerala think tank. They recognised that to truly dominate T20 cricket, you must leverage momentum relentlessly.

Once the opening pair established the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow in the Powerplay, the goal shifted from merely chasing the target to securing it as quickly and efficiently as possible. This approach places immense pressure on the opposition captain, forcing rushed decisions regarding bowling changes and field settings.

The sustained aggression ensured that Odisha was never allowed to settle into a rhythm, resulting in a continuous flow of boundaries that became synonymous with the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow. The high Net Run Rate (NRR) earned from this speedy victory is itself a tactical asset, providing a valuable cushion for the later, tougher group stage matches. This blend of technique and sheer destructive power is what defines the irresistible force now known as the Himalayan Blizzards of the Willow.

Conclusion

The opening fixture of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, which saw Kerala defeat Odisha by a decisive 10-wicket margin, was more than just a win; it was a potent declaration of the team’s championship aspirations. This match, defined by the breathtaking century of Rohan Kunnummal and the composed fifty from captain Sanju Samson, provides a clear blueprint for how Kerala intends to dominate the domestic T20 landscape this season.

Here is a detailed conclusion summarising the profound significance of this victory:

I. The Statement of Absolute Dominance

Kerala’s clinical chase of 177 runs in just 16.3 overs, maintaining all ten wickets, is a statistical anomaly in T20 cricket and a terrifying prospect for their future opponents.

• Net Run Rate (NRR) Advantage: The speed and authority of the victory have gifted Kerala an immediate, massive boost to their NRR. In the competitive structure of Elite Group A, where multiple teams might finish on similar points, this early advantage could be the decisive factor that secures a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
• The Psychological Edge: The nature of this defeat—a complete inability by the opposition to break the opening stand—shatters the confidence of Odisha’s bowlers and instils a deep sense of dread in other teams preparing to face Kerala. It signals that even a competitive total of 176 is insufficient against their batting firepower.

II. The Emergence of the Kunnummal-Samson Tandem

The partnership between the two openers was a study in contrasts that yielded perfect synergy, defining the future strategy of the Kerala side.

• Rohan Kunnummal: The Untamed Force: Kunnummal’s unbeaten 121 off 60 balls was a watershed moment. His strike rate of over 200, laced with 10 fours and 10 sixes, affirms his status as a premier domestic T20 opener, built to thrive in the high-pressure environment of the powerplay. This knock serves as a vital ‘proof of concept’ for his aggressive style and undoubtedly catapults him into the conversation for high bids in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction and potential national team recognition.
• Sanju Samson: The Strategic Anchor: While some critics ffocused onSamson’s strike rate (124.39) compared to Kunnummal’s, his unbeaten 51 off 41 balls was a display of calculated maturity. As captain, his role was to guarantee stability, rotate strike, and ensure Kunnummal had the freedom to maximise his assault. By remaining until the end and completing the chase, Samson demonstrated the evolving, responsible leadership required to manage a high-octane T20 team. This performance strengthens his case as a reliable, situational batsman, a trait highly valued by his new IPL franchise.

III. The Foundation Laid by the Bowlers

Crucially, the batting heroics must not overshadow the work done by the bowling unit. MD Nidheesh’s spell of 4 wickets for 35 runs was instrumental in keeping Odisha’s total below 180. T20 tournaments are won by balanced teams, and Kerala’s ability to restrict a fighting opposition on a good batting pitch validates the depth and strategic variety of their attack.