Biting Ranji Trophy final bullet, Jalaj Saxena engine chugs along

CHENNAI: Less than 48 hours after enduring the pain of losing the Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur, veteran Kerala all-rounder Jalaj Saxena was back on the field, playing the TNCA first-division match for Alwarpet CC that started on Tuesday in Chennai.

After Kerala went down to Vidarbha in their maiden Ranji final on Sunday, Saxena made the trip to Chennai on Monday, reaching pretty late. Despite not having much time for a turnaround, the 38-year-old took the field in the eighth-round red-ball contest against India Pistons CC at the CPT-IP (Turf) Ground.

On the opening day, Saxena did not just merely participate; he secured a five-wicket haul with his off-spin – his fourth of the season – and later walked out to bat as an opener. “I am a professional cricketer. I have been associated with The Sanmar Group (which owns Alwarpet and Jolly Rovers CC) for many years now. It is my duty to play these matches whenever I am available,” Saxena told TOI about his decision to not rest.

“I want to show my commitment towards the team. Whenever I am available, I have to be there for my team. Till the time I play cricket, enjoy it and stay fit, I have to fulfil my duties,” added Saxena, one of the stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket.

Saxena, yet to come to terms with Kerala’s defeat in the Ranji final, admitted that playing these long-format matches without a break has been challenging both mentally and physically. “I am still not over it (Kerala’s loss), it is painful. I am still feeling bad. But life goes on, such things happen in life,” he said.

“It is an important game for Alwarpet (they are trying to avoid relegation). The body is tired after the number of overs I bowled in the Ranji final. But I have to push it. Generally, I work really hard on my fitness, both during the season and in the off-season.”

On how he keeps the fire in him burning, even in the twilight of his career, Saxena said: “It might be impractical, but I am still hopeful of playing for India. That is what keeps me going. If you do not want to play for the country, you will not work hard enough in the off-season. You will not be able to perform, so I am taking it as a process. I know that it (India debut) is impractical, but I am just working hard for it. I do not have any expectations or regrets.”

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