Jalaj Saxena quits Kerala team ahead of 2025-26 domestic season

Jalaj Saxena represented Kerala in domestic cricket for nine seasons.

Uncapped Indian all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has parted ways with Kerala ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season. The 38-year-old announced his decision on social media but didn’t reveal which team he plans to join next.

Jalaj, who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-break, played nine seasons for Kerala in domestic cricket. He made his domestic debut for his home state, Madhya Pradesh, in the 2005-06 season, and joined Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season.

During his tenure with Kerala in domestic cricket, he played 125 matches for the team. He mustered 3153 runs and clinched 352 wickets across formats. In 58 First-Class (FC) cricket matches, he hit 2252 runs and picked 269 scalps. This included three centuries and 23 five-wicket hauls.

Jalaj Saxena reveals his decision to part ways with Kerala in Instagram post

In a post on Instagram, Jalaj cherished the memories with the Kerala team over the years. He also thanked his teammates and team management for their support.

“It’s never easy to put my feelings into words, but today I want to share something close to my heart. I have played my last game in Kerala colours, and that thought still feels surreal. Saying this brings a strange mix of emotions – gratitude, pride and a little ache,” he wrote on his Instagram story.

“Over the years, this team has given me more than just cricket. It gave me brothers, friends and a family that stood by me through every high and low. I’ve given blood, sweat, and tears – everything I had – for this journey, and in return, it gave me memories and bonds that will last a lifetime,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jalaj Saxena (@jalajsaxena51)

During the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, he became the first player in the tournament’s history to achieve the feat of 6000 runs and 4000 wickets. With 269 wickets for Kerala in FC cricket, he is the all-time second-highest wicket-taker for the team after KN Ananthapadmanabhan (310).

Overall, the batting all-rounder has scored 7060 runs and captured 484 scalps in his FC career, including 34 five-wicket hauls and 14 centuries.

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