Yes! You read it right. If getting over-looked had a name then it would be this player. Not just him but many players who have had similar stats or greater. This is a habit that the BCCI have had for many years and declined numerous players to showcase their skills at the highest level.
One more hundred from Sarfaraz Khan. 125 in a total of 272 for Mumbai. I have not seen anyone as consistent as him in Ranji Trophy in the last decade. Jalaj Saxena has taken 400+wickets and scored 6000+ runs in Ranji and both are yet to get India Cap 🧢. YOUR VIEWS PLS
— Srinivasa Murthy (@srinivas60222) January 17, 2023
Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan and Ishan Kishan among others are a few names that have become the recipients of such behavior but in this feature we are highlighting Madhya Pradesh born All-rounder Jalaj Saxena. The 36-year-old has been active in the domestic circuit since 2005 but has failed to land a spot in the Indian national team.
Saxena has produced many match winning performances in the Ranji Trophy. He made his senior Ranji debut for Madhya Pradesh before opting to represent Kerala. Jalaj Saxena is not an unknown name in Indian cricket. He is someone who comes with a wealth of experience.
The 36-year-old has been a part of 3 IPL Franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals. He was first bought by Mumbai Indians back in 2013 but made his debut for DC in 2021. He has not been able to make an unforgettable impact but his numbers in Red ball cricket deserves at least a call-up.
In 131 FC matches, Saxena has scored exactly 6495 runs in 209 innings, averaging 34.73 and picked 403 wickets on the way. His numbers aren’t bad enough to debut for India in the longest format. Let’s talk about his List A record or in simple words his record in domestic ODI cricket?
RANJI TROPHY – Leading wicket takers after 5th match:
📌Jalaj Saxena's terrific season just keeps getting better and better
📌Shams Mulani & Rajesh Bishnoi are joined by fellow left arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in top 4.#RanjiTrophy #RanjiTrophy2022 #CricketTwitter #Cricket pic.twitter.com/iVuwFocSdU
— Sarvesh🏏 (@CricAspect) January 16, 2023
Saxena is up there with 2035 runs and 117 wickets in 104 appearances for Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. In the past we have seen many players who get declined of playing for India and Saxena’s story has been a cruel one. But with these numbers aren’t you supposed to be considered among the premium All-rounders?
In 2018, Jalaj Saxena had to literally tweet to the BCCI about his numbers and performances with hopes of getting noticed. But he is yet to get noticed. “I have the self-satisfaction of doing well, but I would have had greater satisfaction if performances like these would have taken me to higher levels too. If I had got rewards with the awards, it would have felt better.” – This is what he had to say in 2018.
With this 9 wicket match haul against Delhi, I became the highest wicket taker in India in Ranji Trophy in last 5 years with 193 Wickets.With a batting score of 3000 runs with an avg of 46. 3rd Man of the Match this season. @BCCI @IPL @amolmuzumdar11 @rajasthanroyals @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/SxdDR7pE3c
— Jalaj Saxena (@jalajsaxena33) December 16, 2018
In a latest interview, Jalaj Saxena has again come forward with hopes of getting noticed and has reminded every one about his stats in the last few years. “Really grateful to cross 400+wickets and 6000+ runs mark. I hope I won’t remain uncapped forever. The dream is still alive”.
So it remains unclear when will BCCI get rid of this habit. They have been heavily accused of not providing enough opportunities to countless talents out there or are they screwed up because of too many options? What do you reckon?
