Highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy questions Duleep Trophy snub

Madhya Pradesh spinner Jalaj Saxena has been performing consistently in various domestic tournaments since the last few years. He was the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season. However, to his utter dismay and shock, Saxena has been overlooked for the Duleep Trophy.

The spin all-rounder has picked up 50 wickets from seven matches at an impressive average of 19.26 and a strike rate of 41.92 in the Ranji session. His economy rate was 2.75. He returned with the best figure of 8/36 in an innings and in the match the astounding figure was 11/102. However, all of these brilliant efforts were left aside when the zonal squad for Duleep Trophy was picked.

Saxena has expressed his dissatisfaction openly over the development.

“Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India (Elite Group) didn’t get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone,” tweeted the right-arm off-break bowler.

Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India( Elite Group) didn't get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone 🙏 https://t.co/Koewj6ekRt

— Jalaj Saxena (@jalajsaxena33) June 17, 2023

Jalaj has so far played 133 First-class matches and scored 6,567 runs at an average of 34.74 including 14 centuries and 32 half-centuries. His highest score is 194. The off-spinner has picked up 410 wickets including 28 five-wicket hauls.

Notably, Duleep Trophy 2023 starts from June 28.