In the lush fields of St. Xavier’s College Ground in Thumba, Kerala, the age-old narrative of domestic cricket dedication met a new pinnacle as Jalaj Saxena, the domestic giant of Indian cricket, spun an almost unplayable web around Bengal’s batting lineup in the Ranji Trophy. This cricketing saga unfolded with Jalaj, weaving a career-defining spell claiming an incredible nine wickets for just 68 runs, marking the fourth-best bowling figures in the long and storied history of the tournament.
Opening the innings for Kerala, Saxena had already made a mark with the bat by contributing a solid 40 runs to Kerala’s substantial first-innings score of 363 runs. However, it was when he swapped bat for ball that he turned the Elite game on its head, propelling his name into the record books and the cricketing conversations of the nation.
With each twist of his wrist and tweak of the ball, Saxena sent the Bengal batsmen back to the pavilion, systematically dismantling their line-up and bowling them out for a paltry 180 in just 51.1 overs. Bengal, who had taken to the field with hopes of gaining a formidable foothold in the match, found themselves at the mercy of Saxena’s masterful spin as they succumb to his assault one after the other. The only other bowler to find success was the right-arm pacer Mattakandathil Dinesan Nidheesh, who claimed the sole remaining wicket that Saxena graciously left untouched, that of Ranjot Khaira.
An imposing target of 449 runs was set for Bengal to chase in the final innings, with Kerala determined to notch their first win of the tournament. Saxena contributed yet again with the bat in the second innings, adding 37 priceless runs to the board. As the game moved forward, Bengal faced an uphill battle with nine wickets in hand on the fourth and final day.
Saxena’s outstanding performance, far from being a fluke, is a testament to a career built on relentless performances and an unwavering commitment to the game. At 37 years old, he has amassed a staggering 429 wickets at the first-class level. In the Ranji Trophy alone, he stood with 335 wickets, placing him as the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, trailing only behind Shahbaz Nadeem of Jharkhand, with 348 wickets in 79 fixtures.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Saxena has also demonstrated commendable skill with the willow, with 6613 runs in his first-class career at a competent average of 33.91, including 14 centuries and 32 half-centuries. His balanced skill set makes him a valuable asset in any cricket team and emboldens the argument that he remains one of the most underrated cricketers on the domestic scene who has yet to receive his due recognition at the international level.
The climax of this dramatic encounter between Kerala and Bengal is awaited with bated breath, with spectators and pundits alike wondering if Bengal can thwart Saxena’s historic efforts and chase down the formidable total, or if Kerala will triumph under the guiding star of Saxena’s exceptional performance. What remains clear, however, is that moments like these vividly capture the raw beauty and competitive spirit of cricket at its finest. Jalaj Saxena’s name will resonate as a symbol of perseverance and skillful dominance in Indian domestic cricket irrespective of the outcome.
