Jalaj Saxena’s tale is one of perseverance, patience, and unrelenting love for the sport. Even though he has been a pillar of domestic cricket for years, the 38-year-old all-rounder has not yet been called up to the Indian national team. Yet, he does not bear any grudge, but rather prefers to be driven by his childhood dream of playing for his nation.
With 6,965 runs in 148 first-class matches at 33.64, with 14 centuries and 33 fifties, Saxena has been a steady batsman. But it is his ability as an off-spinner that has made him stand out. He has taken 452 wickets, 30 of them in five-wicket hauls, making him one of the most successful all-rounders on the domestic circuit.
Jalaj Saxena’s remarkable haul of 34 wickets in only seven games last Ranji Trophy season also brought out his potential. Though accomplished, Saxena has witnessed less experienced or younger players receive national call-ups ahead of him. However, he does not take it to heart.
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“I don’t know anybody who’s less talented than me. Whoever has represented India is incredibly talented, and I am extremely pleased for them. There are no grudges, and I am not hurt in the least,” he said to RevSportz.
🚨 #JalajSaxena Exclusive: “My Dream is to Play for India”
In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, Kerala’s star all-rounder Jalaj Saxena opens up about his dream of representing #TeamIndia, Kerala’s historic #RanjiTrophy 2024 semi-final run, and the thrilling quarter-final vs… pic.twitter.com/QxicB9nHKM
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 15, 2025
This season, Saxena has continued to deliver for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He has amassed 271 runs in eight matches at an average of 30.11, including two half-centuries. With the ball, he has once again been instrumental, picking up 34 wickets at a stunning average of 16.82, with best figures of 6/41.
Though there was a point of time when he eagerly looked forward to an India call-up, jalaj Saxena has changed his attitude now. “Yes, there was a period when I was waiting for an India call. Phases in life. But presently, I am in a zone where I am loving my cricket. I am also confident that someday I will play for the country, and that keeps me motivated,” he said.
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Saxena’s runs proved instrumental as Kerala advanced into the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. Kerala took it down to the wire over Jammu & Kashmir in a quarterfinal meeting on a lead of only a run in first innings. Saxena’s 67, added to Salman Nizar’s significant hundred, paved the way for Kerala’s turn around from the difficult 11/3 juncture. Basil Thampi and Salman Nizar stood firm with the last wicket partnership, getting Kerala through against Jammu & Kashmir, their willpower as proof.
