Ranji Trophy 2015/16: 5 stars who could make their debut for India in 2016

#2 Jalaj Saxena

Saxena entered the record books as he claimed 16 for 154 against Railways (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

The job of an all-rounder is to pick up wickets and score runs, if not always in the same match but contribute in one way or another in each match. After having done that this season in the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh by scoring 588 runs and picking up 49 wickets, he must be disappointed to not have made the cut for the Irani Cup.

As an opener, Saxena has shown himself to be the bedrock upon which Madhya Pradesh have built their innings. While his average of under 40 might not be earth-shattering, he has always provided them with a solid start at the top of the order.

With the ball in hand, he has proven himself to be a more-than-handy off-spinner. His captain has trusted him enough to not only give him the ball at crucial situations but also relied on him to break partnerships that were threatening to take the game away from the side.

His 16/154 in the game against Railways, which was the competition’s second-best figures, helped them claim an easy win in three days.