Ranji Trophy season opener between Maharashtra and Kerala had already witnessed a dramatic start with the former starting off miserably, being reduced to 5/4 and then 18/5. It got even more dramatic and embarrassing with the commentary that happened as Jalaj Saxena batted.Former India players and selectors Salil Ankola and Chetan Sharma expressed surprise during live commentary that veteran Jalaj Saxena had never represented India at the international level, despite being one of the most successful players in Ranji Trophy history with over 6000 runs and 400 wickets to his name.Watch video: Former selectors laugh while discussing Jalaj Saxena never played for IndiaAnkola, who was in the commentary box with former selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma, initiated the discussion. “Very surprising that Saxena had never played for India,” Ankola commented during the live broadcast.“Salil, you used one word ‘very surprising’, but let me tell you, we were both former selectors,” Chetan responded with a laugh.“And you were the chairman!” Ankola pointed out.“Fingers must’ve been raised at us as well,” Chetan concluded.The exchange drew attention on social media, as both commentators had served as selectors between 2020 and 2024, with Chetan serving as chairman for two terms. During this period, Saxena continued to perform exceptionally in domestic cricket without receiving an international call-up.Saxena’s domestic cricket career began in December 2005, and since then, he has established himself as the leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy history. His achievements include becoming the first cricketer to achieve the dual milestone of scoring 6000 runs and taking 400 wickets in the tournament’s history.For the current season, Saxena has moved from Kerala to Maharashtra to continue his domestic cricket journey. Before the season began, Jalaj had clarified to TOI that the decision to shift base was purely personal.“It’s time to be closer to home, maybe bring my aging parents with me. But there’s nothing against Kerala. I love Kerala and hope to be associated again in the future,” he had said.
