Veteran allrounder Jalaj Saxena has ended his association with Kerala after nine seasons and joined Maharashtra ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26. The 38-year-old, one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket, confirmed the switch on Saturday.
A new chapter in Maharashtra
Saxena, who made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2005, played for Kerala from 2016 to 2025. Calling it an “honour” to represent his new side, he said he was excited to contribute alongside players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, and Ankit Bawne. “Maharashtra cricket has a rich legacy and I am fully prepared to give my best,” he said in a statement.
Kerala years filled with milestones
During his nine-year spell with Kerala, Saxena scored 3,153 runs and took 352 wickets across formats. In first-class cricket for the state, he made 2,252 runs and claimed 269 wickets, including 23 five-wicket hauls. Last season, when Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy final, he became the first cricketer in tournament history to achieve the double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets.
Career numbers
Across his overall first-class career, Saxena has featured in 150 matches, scoring 7,060 runs at an average of 33.77 with 14 centuries and 34 half-centuries. He has also bagged 484 wickets, including 34 five-wicket hauls. Despite these achievements, a senior India call-up has remained elusive.
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