Jalaj Saxena might be 36 years old but the all-rounder is aging like a fine wine. The right-arm off-spinner weaved his magic for the umpteenth time in a Ranji Trophy match and made Services batters dance to his tunes. The seasoned spinner recorded his career-best figures of 8/36 in Kerala's 204-run win over Services on January 13 (Friday). During his impeccable spell at St. Xavier's College Stadium, Saxena secured an astounding milestone.
The veteran offie breached the 400-wicket mark in First-Class cricket, becoming the only cricketer with over 6,000 runs and 400-plus wickets in First-Class cricket. The 36-year-old's record in red-ball cricket is imperious, to say the least. In 131 First-Class matches, Saxena has amassed 6,495 with the help of 31 half-centuries and 14 tons. Apart from his monumental returns with the bat, Saxena has bagged 403 wickets, including 27 five-wicket hauls and 13 four-wicket hauls.
Despite ruling the roost in India's premier domestic tournament, Saxena, for some strange reason, has failed to break into the national side. The Kerala star has finally broken his silence after securing a historic 6,000 runs and 400 wickets double.
"Really grateful to cross 400+wickets and 6000+ runs mark. I hope i won't remain uncapped forever. The dream is still alive," Saxena said in a Tweet.
The right-arm off-spinner is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season. He has so far bagged 43 wickets in five matches, including five five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.
