Kerala’s seasoned all-rounder, Jalaj Saxena, has etched his name in the annals of Indian domestic cricket by becoming the first player to amass 6000 runs and claim 400 wickets in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. This remarkable feat was achieved during the Elite Group C fourth round match against Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier’s College Ground.
Saxena, who had crossed the 6000-run milestone in Kerala’s previous match in Kolkata, reached the double landmark after dismissing left-hander Nitish Rana with a sharp off-spin delivery that resulted in a stumping. The 37-year-old became the 13th bowler in Ranji Trophy history to reach the 400-wicket mark, a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess.
Saxena’s journey in First-Class cricket began in 2005 with Madhya Pradesh, where he spent 11 years, claiming 159 wickets and scoring 4041 runs. In the 2016-17 season, he moved to Kerala and has since become the second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket for the team, behind only KN Ananthapadmanabhan.
Last season, Saxena joined the ranks of legends when he became only the fourth player in Indian domestic cricket history to achieve 9000 runs and 600 wickets across all formats, joining the exclusive company of Vinoo Mankad, Madan Lal, and Parvez Rasool.
In the Ranji Trophy alone, Saxena’s record is unparalleled among active all-rounders and stands in a league with Indian greats like Vijay Hazare, Madan Lal, and Sunil Joshi. His all-round abilities have been instrumental in Kerala’s success in recent seasons, and he continues to be a vital cog in the team’s quest for silverware.
