Former selectors surprised that this Ranji legend never played for India

Former Indian selectors Salil Ankola and Chetan Sharma recently expressed astonishment at domestic cricket stalwart Jalaj Saxena’s continued exclusion from the Indian national team. Their remarks, made during a live broadcast, quickly went viral, sparking reactions from fans on social media.

Saxena, widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket, has never been selected for the national side despite his exceptional record. The seasoned all-rounder has accumulated more than 6,000 runs and taken over 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Ahead of the current season, he moved from Kerala to Maharashtra and made an immediate impact in his debut match.

During the Ranji Trophy clash between Kerala and Maharashtra at Greenfield Stadium on October 15, Maharashtra were in deep trouble at 18/5 when Saxena came in to bat at number seven — with four of the top five batters dismissed for ducks.

As Saxena’s impressive domestic statistics were displayed on screen, Ankola commented, “It’s very surprising that Saxena has never played for India.” Sharma, responding with a chuckle, reminded him, “Salil, remember, we were both selectors.” Ankola replied, “And you were the chairman!” to which Sharma added humorously, “Looks like fingers will be pointed at us too.”

Saxena once again proved his value, playing a key role in Maharashtra’s recovery. He scored 49 runs, narrowly missing his 35th first-class fifty, and forged a 122-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad (91) for the sixth wicket. Thanks to their efforts, Maharashtra reached 179/7 in 59 overs before bad light ended play early on Wednesday. M D Nidheesh (4/42) and Eden Apple Tom were the standout bowlers for Kerala.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena becomes first player with 6000 runs and 400 wickets

Chetan Sharma chaired India’s selection committee from 2020 to 2023, while Salil Ankola served as a member between January 2023 and August 2024.

Jalaj Saxena began his domestic career with Madhya Pradesh in the 2005–06 season before shifting to Kerala in 2016–17, where he remained until 2024–25. During his Kerala stint, he amassed 3,153 runs and claimed 352 wickets across formats — including 2,252 first-class runs, three centuries, and 269 wickets at an impressive average of 20.68, featuring 23 five-wicket hauls.

Overall, Saxena’s first-class career boasts more than 7,000 runs, 14 centuries, and 484 wickets, with 34 five-wicket hauls at an average of 25.48. Despite such stellar numbers, he has never donned the India jersey — largely due to the dominance of established spin all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel.

Now representing Maharashtra, who finished fifth in Elite Group A of the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy with two wins, two draws, and three losses, Saxena continues to demonstrate why many believe he remains one of the most underrated talents in Indian cricket.