Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena sets new record with latest fifer
What's the story
Seasoned all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has set a new Ranji Trophy record by taking five wickets in the match against Bihar. The feat was achieved during Kerala's final league-stage match at the Sports Hub International Cricket stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Saxena's five-fer was his first against Bihar, making them the 19th opposition against whom the off-spinner has recorded a five-wicket haul. The all-rounder hence a new Ranji record in terms of fifers against most teams in the tournament.
Record details
Saxena's record-breaking 5-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy
After Kerala put on a hefty 351/10 on the board, Saxena ripped through a brittle Bihar middle-order to claim figures of 5/19 in only seven overs. Notably, this achievement by Saxena betters former Indian pacer Pankaj Singh's record of five-wicket hauls against 18 different teams. Meanwhile, Saxena's brilliance meant Bihar were bundled out for just 64 runs.
Career stats
Saxena's impressive wicket tally in Ranji Trophy
With his latest show, Saxena's wicket tally in the Ranji Trophy has gone up to 416. He is now the joint-ninth highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history. Earlier this season, he completed the rare double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He is the only uncapped Indian all-rounder to have achieved the milestone. Notably, the five-fer marked his 31st five-wicket haul in the Ranji, the highest among active bowlers.
Career journey
Saxena's journey from Madhya Pradesh to Kerala
Saxena started his First-Class career in 2005 with Madhya Pradesh, where he took 159 wickets and scored 4,041 runs. He moved to Kerala in the 2016-17 season and has since become the team's second-highest wicket-taker in first-class cricket with 257 scalps. Only KN Ananthapadmanabhan (310) has taken more wickets for Kerala than Saxena. His consistent performances have been key to Kerala's success over the years.
Stats
Here are his FC stats
With his five-wicket haul against Bihar, Saxena now owns 472 FC wickets at an average of 25-plus, as per ESPNcricinfo. He also boasts 16 four-wicket hauls besides 33 five-wicket hauls across 146 matches (10WM: 9). His best bowling innings read 9/68, best match figures read 16/154. The one against Bihar was his fourth fifer in the ongoing season.