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There has been massive uproar over the non-selection of Auqib Nabi for the Sri Lanka tour, but former Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari felt sorry for Jalaj Saxena. He believes that Jalaj Saxena deserved an India opportunity, and his wait continues even at the age of 39.
While Saransh Jain finally earned his maiden India call-up at the age of 33, Saxena has not yet got the selection call despite years of outstanding performances in domestic cricket. Saransh was added to India's Test squad because Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder impressed everyone with his performances in the last Ranji Trophy and also did well for India A, which helped him earn his first call-up. And Hanuma Vihari congratulated Saransh and said his years of hard work had finally been rewarded.
Hanuma Vihari left heartbroken over Jalaj Saxena's India snub
However, the former Indian batter said that Jalaj Saxena was unfortunate because he never got such an opportunity despite performing consistently for many years in domestic cricket. Amid this, Irfan Pathan slams Indian selectors over Auqib Nabi's repeated snub.
Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel, “I feel for someone like Jalaj Saxena. He is a legend of domestic cricket. But there were Jadeja and Ashwin when he was at his peak. Saransh was at the right place at the right time, so he got his maiden call-up. Such is life and fate. Congratulations to him. Years of hard work have paid off.”
Jalaj Saxena's red-ball record has been impressive, and he is one of the most successful all-rounders in domestic cricket. The veteran all-rounder has scored 7,224 runs in first-class cricket with the help of 14 centuries and 35 half-centuries. The spinner has also taken 512 wickets, including 36 five-wicket hauls and 11 ten-wicket match hauls in first-class cricket.
Hanuma Vihari names India's ideal spin attack for Sri Lanka Tests
He wants Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav to be India's three main spinners in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Vihari believes that Saransh Jain could be the fourth spinner if the pitch turns a lot. However, the former Indian batter strongly backed Kuldeep Yadav to be part of the playing XI because he is a genuine wicket-taking bowler.
Vihari further explained, “Kuldeep should be the third spinner in my opinion, and there is no doubt. If it is a rank turner, they can play one fast bowler and also play Saransh as the fourth spinner. He is a match-winner, be it in any format. He takes wickets. If a bowler like him is encouraged by the captain and has that backing, he will do wonders for the team. It will be important how they utilize him.”
Hanuma Vihari says Sri Lanka tour will be Shubman Gill's biggest captaincy test
The former Indian batter also believes the Sri Lanka tour will be a big challenge for the captain, Shubman Gill, not only as a batter but also as a leader.
Vihari signed off by saying, “In these conditions, will he play three spinners or four? We have to see what call he makes. The second thing is how he makes bowling changes; that will also be important along with field placements.”
