At 38, Jalaj Saxena knows an India call-up is unlikely. He laughs about it, saying he doesn’t expect his phone to ring with good news from the selectors. But instead of dwelling on what could have been, he lets his bat and ball do the talking. In Kerala’s Ranji Trophy clash against J&K, Saxena put on a masterclass, reminding everyone that experience still holds weight in the game.

 

Coming in at a crisis—Kerala struggling at 11/3—he counterattacked with a blistering 67 off 78 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes. J&K’s bowlers tried everything, but Saxena remained unfazed, making it look like he was playing on a different pitch altogether. His fearless stroke play, including back-to-back sixes early in his innings, turned the tide for his team.

 

Despite being one of India’s most consistent domestic performers, Saxena has always found himself behind the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav in the pecking order. Yet, he never lets it weigh him down. “I still dream of playing for India, but I have no expectations,” he admits. That dream fuels his relentless work ethic, benefiting both his home state of Madhya Pradesh and now Kerala, where he has become a vital player.

 

Against J&K, he played the role of crisis manager perfectly. With Auqib Nabi wreaking havoc, Saxena took calculated risks, attacking when needed and steadying the innings when required. His efforts ensured Kerala stayed in the fight, pushing the game into the fourth day.

 

Saxena’s hunger and determination remain as strong as ever. While the national call may never come, his impact on domestic cricket is undeniable. As long as he’s on the field, he’ll continue proving why he’s one of the most reliable all-rounders in Indian cricket.