India's current domestic cricket King openly attacks BCCI and selectors for always ignoring him

Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has been a standout performer in domestic cricket for years, yet an India call-up has remained out of reach. However, the all-rounder remains motivated by his dream of representing the Indian national cricket team, adding that he has no grudges for not receiving it yet.

The 38-year-old has scored 6,965 runs in 148 first-class matches at an average of 33.64, with 14 centuries and 33 half-centuries. As an off-spinner, the Madhya Pradesh-born player has taken 452 wickets, including 30 five-wicket hauls. He picked up 34 wickets in seven games during the last Ranji Trophy season.

I Don't Know Anyone Who Is Less Talented Than Me - Jalaj Saxena

Jalaj Saxena was asked whether it hurts to see players with fewer achievements in domestic cricket getting a national call-up ahead of him. He stated that every cricketer who has represented India is exceptionally talented and that he has no grudges.

"I don't know anyone who is less talented than me. Whoever has played for India is exceptionally talented, and I am very happy for them. There are no grudges, nothing against them, and I am not hurt at all," Saxena told RevSportz.

In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 edition, Saxena scored 271 runs in eight matches at an average of 30.11, including two half-centuries. He has picked up 34 wickets at an average of 16.82, with best bowling figures of 6/41.

I Am Hopeful That One Day I Will Play for India - Jalaj Saxena

Jalaj Saxena admitted that there was a time when he hoped for an India call-up, but he has since shifted his focus to enjoying the game. He remains optimistic about representing the country one day, using that aspiration as motivation to train hard and improve his skills.

"Yes, there was a phase when I was expecting an India call. Phases come in life. But right now, I am in a zone where I am enjoying my cricket. I am hopeful that one day I will play for the country, and that hope keeps me motivated. It allows me to work hard in the off-season and focus on learning new things," Saxena said.

"I use that as motivation, but I don't have any grudges or feel hurt. I am thoroughly enjoying my cricket and looking forward to these games."

Jalaj Saxena Helped Kerala Qualify for Semis in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Kerala secured a spot in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-finals after their quarterfinal against Jammu & Kashmir at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The match ended in a draw, and Kerala advanced to the semis due to a one-run first-inning lead. After dismissing J&K for 280, Kerala found themselves struggling at 11/3.

Jalaj Saxena (67 off 78) and Salman Nizar helped Kerala recover. However, they were set to concede a significant lead. With one wicket remaining and still trailing by 80 runs, they risked conceding a significant lead. Nizar, who scored 112 runs, added a crucial 81-run last-wicket stand with Basil Thampi.

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