Kerala Strikers’ Unni Mukundan on Rajeev Pillai’s CCL exclusion: Not fair to target Rajeev; but…
Playing for the Mumbai Heroes against the Kerala Strikers, Rajeev was run out on the first ball he faced, which the latter celebrated a great deal. This had also been pointed out
Last Updated: 01.28 PM, Jan 22, 2026
Did the Kerala Strikers deliberately exclude Rajeev Pillai from its 22-member squad for CCL 2026? That’s been the big question ever since Rajeev was seen in the dug out of the Mumbai Heroes and was then a part of the 11-member team that took the field against the Strikers on January 18. Rajeev’s on-field tryst lasted all of one ball, when he was then run out – an outcome that the Strikers celebrated rather vociferously. Following this match, Rajeev was subjected to intense trolling by netizens who felt that he had abandoned the Kerala team after being a part of it since the very start.
This had forced Rajeev to issue a clarification that the Strikers’ 22-member squad did not include him and that he had tried seeking an explanation. Failing to get any sort of response in the matter, he then asked for an NOC to allow him to play for any other team, which was given immediately, prompting him to think that he was not valued enough by them to be considered for a spot on the side. Once his explanation came out, the discussion veered towards the Strikers favouring certain players over performers like Rajeev, with vice-captain Bineesh Kodiyeri’s name topping that list.
Personal agenda behind Rajeev's exclusion?
Strikers skipper Unni Mukundan was asked about this development at a media interaction, wherein he was categoric that subjecting Rajeev to any sort of trolling was unfair and that he had sought an NOC to represent another team out of sheer love for the sport. Having said that, Unni also remarked that the composition of the Kerala Strikers team was not about specific individuals but as their performance as a unit. In the run-up to the tournament, the entire squad had put time aside to focus on practice, which was not limited to the net sessions. “We played at least 15 matches against corporate teams, among others. The final squad was selected on that basis,” he said.
Unni added that as far as he is concerned, he considers Madan Mohan’s batting innings just as important as the contribution of any other player in the team, like, for instance, the three boundaries that Akhil Marar blocked. “It is very important that players entrusted with certain responsibilities are living up to that and performing. When deciding a team, stardom doesn’t come into play; everyone’s on a level playing field. I am not aware of the circumstances that led to the NOC being given to Rajeev. As a captain, the team that I got is extremely competitive. Rajeev is a respected actor and cricketer and trolling him is unfair,” said Unni.
Also read: CCL2026: Madan Mohan crafts first win for Kerala Strikers; knock out Mumbai Heroes from tournament
As for the team’s celebration of Rajeev’s dismissal, the skipper added that it did not come from a personal space, but rather, from having gotten rid of a talented player of his stature.
CCL FAQs
Q. Where to watch CCL2026?
A. Season 12 of the Celebrity Cricket League began on January 16, 2026 and goes on till February 1. Eight teams are in the fray, with the winner getting a prize of Rs 50L. The matches are being live streamed on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).
Q. Who is the skipper of the Kerala Strikers team?
A. For the 2026 season of CCL, Marco fame actor Unni Mukundan is leading the Kerala Strikers.