Jalaj Saxena, Kerala's seasoned all-rounder, has etched his name in the history books with a remarkable achievement during the Elite Group C fourth-round match of the 2024 Ranji Trophy. Saxena has become the first player ever to achieve the rare double of 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the prestigious domestic competition. This milestone came during the match between Kerala and Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier's College Ground in Thumba, Kerala.

Saxena reaches 6000 runs and 400 wickets

The 37-year-old Saxena made history in the ongoing match by completing 6000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Having crossed the 6000-run mark in Kerala's previous match in Kolkata, Saxena achieved his 400th wicket during this game when he dismissed Uttar Pradesh's left-hander Nitish Rana. His sharp off-spin delivery resulted in Rana being stumped, marking the historic moment. This wicket also added to Saxena’s impressive tally, making him the 13th bowler in Ranji Trophy history to reach the 400-wicket milestone. The wicket was his 29th five-wicket haul in the prestigious tournament.

Saxena’s all-round prowess has been crucial for Kerala since he joined the team in the 2016-17 season. Over the years, he has firmly established himself as one of the best all-rounders in domestic cricket, and this milestone only adds to his illustrious career.

An impressive record in Indian domestic cricket

In the broader context of Indian domestic cricket, Saxena’s feats are unparalleled among active all-rounders. His ability to balance both bat and ball with equal skill puts him in an elite class alongside cricket legends like Vijay Hazare, Madan Lal, and Sunil Joshi. In the 2022-23 season, Saxena further cemented his legacy by becoming the fourth player in Indian domestic cricket history to score 9000 runs and take 600 wickets across all formats. He joined the ranks of iconic players such as Vinoo Mankad, Madan Lal, and Parvez Rasool in achieving this rare feat.

Saxena’s influence on Kerala’s cricket team has been immense, as he is now the second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket for the state, behind only KN Ananthapadmanabhan. His leadership and consistent performances have contributed significantly to Kerala's success in recent seasons, and his remarkable milestones have earned him a reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in Indian cricket.

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With his unmatched consistency, leadership qualities, and remarkable achievements, Jalaj Saxena continues to set new standards in domestic cricket. His 6000 runs and 400 wickets milestone is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game, and it places him in a rare league of all-rounders who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket.

As Saxena continues to play at the highest level, his legacy is being firmly established in the history of Indian domestic cricket, where his name will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. Saxena’s record not only highlights his individual brilliance but also showcases the importance of perseverance, skill, and hard work in achieving greatness in cricket.

Jalaj Saxena’s achievement of 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy is a milestone that speaks volumes about his consistency, skill, and all-round abilities. In a career spanning over a decade, Saxena has not only become a key player for Kerala but has also set a benchmark for future generations of cricketers. His name will forever be etched in the history of Indian domestic cricket, and his remarkable feat serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country.