Jalaj Saxena Creates History in Ranji Trophy with Record 6000 Runs and 400 Wickets

Kerala’s seasoned all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has etched his name in Ranji Trophy history by becoming the first player to achieve the milestone of 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the prestigious tournament. Saxena reached this historic feat on Wednesday during Kerala’s fourth-round match against Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier’s College Ground.

Saxena, who turned 37 this year, clinched his 400th Ranji wicket in the first innings by dismissing UP’s Nitish Rana via a stumping. This significant achievement adds to his impressive tally, having crossed the 6000-run milestone just last week against Bengal. Wednesday’s match also saw Saxena take five wickets, marking his 29th five-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy play.

Originally from Madhya Pradesh, Saxena began his First-Class career in 2005 before joining Kerala in the 2016-17 season. His off-spin prowess has made him Kerala’s second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket, trailing only KN Ananthapadmanabhan. His overall career record is remarkable: across 143 First-Class matches, he has accumulated 6795 runs at an average of 33.97, with 14 centuries and 33 fifties, and taken 452 wickets with an average of 25.68.

Against UP, Saxena proved instrumental in dismantling the opposition, dismissing key batters Aryan Juyal, Madhav Kaushik, Siddharth Yadav, and Rana, wrapping up the innings at 162. Supported by pacers Basil Thampi and Asif KM, Kerala put themselves in a commanding position.

Saxena’s contributions in domestic cricket continue to shine. Although overlooked for the national team, he joins an elite group of all-rounders in India’s cricketing history, standing alongside legends like Vinoo Mankad and Madan Lal. His stellar achievements in Ranji Trophy underline his standing as a formidable force in domestic cricket.

image credit: www.mykhel.com

read also:IPL 2025 Auction: Glenn Maxwell Reflects on ‘Beautiful’ Exit from RCB, Hints at Potential Return