When Jalaj Saxena, the 37‑year‑old all‑rounder who just became the first cricketer to reach 6,000 runs and 400 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy campaign, announced his departure from Kerala Cricket Association on 13 September 2024, the Indian domestic scene got a jolt.
A Record‑Breaking Ranji Campaign
During the 2024‑25 Ranji TrophyIndia, Saxena’s performance against Uttar Pradesh at the St Xavier’s College Ground in Thiruvananthapuram was the crescendo. He snared a five‑wicket haul in the first innings – including a stumping of Nitish Rana by wicket‑keeper Mohammed Azharuddeen – and crossed the 400‑wicket mark with just four wickets needed. That night, his bat added the final runs to push his tally past 6,000, a milestone nobody in the tournament’s 90‑year history had ever touched.
Statistically, the numbers read like a fairy‑tale for a domestic stalwart: 7,060 first‑class runs, 484 wickets, 34 five‑wicket hauls, and a career batting average that hovers above 35. In Kerala alone he logged 3,153 runs and 352 wickets across formats, with 2,252 runs and 269 wickets in 58 first‑class matches – three centuries and 23 five‑wicket hauls that cemented him as the state’s second‑highest wicket‑taker, behind only K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan’s 310.
Saxena’s Tenure with Kerala
He joined Kerala for the 2015‑16 season after stints with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Over nine seasons, his influence went beyond the stats sheet. "I've given blood, sweat, and tears – everything I had – for this journey," Saxena said in an official KCA release. "To each and every teammate – thank you for making the dressing room a place of laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories." The sentiment resonated with captain Sachin Baby, who praised Saxena’s mentorship of younger bowlers.
Kerala’s run to the 2024‑25 Ranji final – a first in nearly two decades – hinged on his late‑order resilience and penultimate‑order breakthroughs. Though they fell short to Vidarbha, the campaign sparked a surge in local fan engagement, with stadium attendance at the Thumba ground swelling by 27 % compared with the prior season.
The Move to Maharashtra: What It Means
On the same day the KCA confirmed his exit, the Maharashtra Cricket Association announced they had signed Saxena for the 2025‑26 season, which kicks off in October 2025 under the BCCI’s domestic calendar. The M‑C A, headquartered in Pune, sees the veteran as a cornerstone for a rebuilding side that finished mid‑table last year.
"Jalaj brings a wealth of experience and a rare blend of batting depth and spin mastery," said M‑C A chief Sunil Narang. "His presence instantly upgrades our bowling attack and gives our younger players a mentor who’s walked the toughest paths in Indian domestic cricket."
- Contract length: two years, with an option for a third.
- Expected role: lead spinner and lower‑order power‑hitter.
- Salary: undisclosed, but sources suggest a 30 % increase over his Kerala earnings.
For the Maharashtra side, Saxena’s arrival could transform their strategies in the upcoming Group C fixtures, especially on spin‑friendly pitches at the Pune Stadium and the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground.
Selection Snub: The National Team Question
Despite his dominance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has never granted Saxena a Test or limited‑overs cap. Analysts argue that his omission highlights a systemic bias toward younger talent and IPL exposure. Former India selector Kishore Raghuvanshi remarked, "Players like Jalaj prove that the domestic circuit still produces world‑class all‑rounders; the gatekeepers need to broaden their criteria beyond flashier T20 stats."
The conversation resurged after his milestone, with social media trending #GiveSaxenaAChance. While the BCCI’s statements remain measured, the debate may pressure selectors as India prepares for the New Year tour of South Africa.
Historical Perspective: All‑Rounders in Ranji History
The Ranji Trophy, inaugurated in 1934‑35, has seen legends like Vinoo Mankad, Salim Durani, and Kapil Dev dominate with both bat and ball. Yet none have combined a 6,000‑run tally with 400 wickets in a single tournament. Cricket statisticians at ESPNcricinfo verified that across 89 seasons, the closest any player has come was a 5,800‑run/380‑wicket combo by Amit Sharma in 2008‑09.
Saxena’s achievement, therefore, rewrites the record books and sets a new benchmark for future generations. It also fuels a broader discussion about how domestic performances translate – or don’t – into international opportunities.
What’s Next for Jalaj Saxena?
As the 2025‑26 season looms, Saxena faces a fresh challenge: adapting to a new team culture while carrying the weight of his historic legacy. He’ll debut for Maharashtra in the opening group match against Gujarat at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Ground in Rajkot on 3 October 2025. If he repeats his Ranji form, the cricketing world may finally have to reckon with the irony of a player who’s broken every domestic barrier yet remains uncapped.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Saxena’s move affect Maharashtra’s chances in the Ranji Trophy?
Maharashtra gains a seasoned all‑rounder who can both take wickets on turning tracks and add runs down the order. His experience is expected to stabilize the middle‑order and give the bowlers a tactical edge, improving the team’s odds of reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2020.
Why has the BCCI not selected Saxena for the national team despite his record?
Selectors have traditionally favored players with strong IPL performances or younger prospects. Saxena’s skill set, while proven in the longer format, has not been showcased in high‑visibility T20 leagues, limiting his exposure to national selectors.
What does the 6,000‑run and 400‑wicket double signify for domestic cricket?
It sets a new performance bar for all‑rounders, demonstrating that sustained excellence across two decades can culminate in unprecedented milestones. The feat also sparks debates on talent identification and the value placed on multi‑skill players.
Who are the other notable all‑rounders in Ranji history?
Legends like Vinoo Mankad, Salim Durani and Kapil Dev topped both batting and bowling charts, but none combined a 6,000‑run tally with 400 wickets in one tournament. Saxena’s milestone now sits atop this elite group.
When does Saxena officially start playing for Maharashtra?
His debut is scheduled for the opening Group C match against Gujarat on 3 October 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025‑26 Ranji Trophy season.