Kerala cricket's best-ever guest player Jalaj Saxena joins Maharashtra

For the past nine seasons, the Kerala Ranji Trophy team had a reliable all-rounder to turn to- someone who delivered crucial wickets and vital runs when the team needed them the most. But starting next season, that dependable presence will be missing, as seasoned all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has made the move to Maharashtra.

Saxena, who moved to Kerala in 2016, has undoubtedly been the best non-Malayali cricketer to play for the team. Last season, he became the first player to reach the double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy.

The native of Indore was instrumental in the Sachin Baby-led Kerala team that reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time last season. He bagged 40 wickets in the season, the most by a Kerala bowler. Kerala finished as runners-up to Vidarbha in Nagpur.

In an emotional social media post a few days ago, the 38-year-old confirmed that he had played his final season for Kerala. "I've 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. 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 said. 

Since making his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in December 2005, Saxena has featured in 150 matches, amassing 7,060 runs with 14 centuries and 34 half-centuries. A proven match-winner with the ball as well, he has claimed 484 wickets, including 34 five-wicket hauls in the format. Over his nearly two-decade-long career, Saxena has also played 109 List A matches and 73 T20s.

With Saxena's addition to the squad, Maharashtra has pulled off another surprise ahead of the 2025–26 season, having already roped in India batter Prithvi Shaw from Mumbai, PTI reported.