Kerala have signed all-rounder Jalaj Saxena on a one-year contract for the 2016/17 season. The 29-year-old has been one of Madhya Pradesh’s most important players over the last four seasons, also having earned India ‘A’ appearances and IPL contracts with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Saxena took 49 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season, including a 16/154 against Railways, the second best haul in the tournament’s history. Madhya Pradesh reached the semifinal of the tournament, with Saxena narrowly missing out on becoming only the second person to complete the double of 50 wickets and 500 runs in a season – Sunil Joshi remains the only person with this feat in 1995/96. Saxena scored 588 runs.
It had been speculated after Chattisgarh had been added as the 28th Ranji team in Group C that Jalaj Saxena, along with his brother Jatin, would move to their childhood state team this season. However, Jalaj has joined Iqbal Abdullah and Bhavin Thakkar in moving to Kerala, who are also placed in Group C. Saxena will be part of a spin trio in Kerala, alongside Abdulla and Karaparambil Monish, the third highest wicket taker last season.
“It was a personal decision, but a very emotional one too," Saxena told ESPNcricinfo. “Having played for Madhya Pradesh for more than a decade, to make this switch was hard but I was sure of it. I wanted a change of environment at this stage, but I'm thankful to MPCA for giving me an opportunity over the years."
Ineligible for Chattisgarh for ‘minor nativity’ issues
The 29-year-old has produced one of the best all-round figures in Indian domestic cricket in recent times, and many consider it a mystery how he continues to be unpicked in the India national team. In the last four years, Saxena has racked up 2485 runs at an average of 46.89, with six centuries and 12 half-centuries. He has 111 wickets at an average of 26.01 in this same period.
Saxena was not eligible to play for Chattisgarh for “minor nativity” issues – he was born in Bhilai, but has spent most of his senior professional career in Madhya Pradesh. He said that moving to Kerala was the right step for him at this stage of his career.
He said, “I looked at their performance. They were always mid-table in Group C, so if I can help them qualify to the elite groups, it will be a big achievement. Maybe that could also be a way of being recognised. With the line-up we've got, I'm confident we will improve this year."
With the inspirational Jalaj Saxena in their ranks, special things can be expected from Kerala this season. Can they earn promotion into the Elite Groups for the first time ever?
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