Jalaj Saxena matches Bishan Singh Bedi’s Ranji record in Kerala’s innings win

Saxena’s five-for seals Kerala’s home win

Jalaj Saxena claimed five wickets as Kerala dismissed Odisha for 143 on the final day at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, completing an innings-and-36-run victory in their Ranji Trophy match.

The veteran off-spinner finished with 5 for 34 from 18 overs, helping Kerala take the last six Odisha wickets in a little over 23 overs. It was Saxena’s 35th five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy, matching Bishan Singh Bedi’s tally and placing the pair joint fifth in the tournament’s history. Odisha became the 20th Ranji side against which Saxena has taken five wickets.

“I didn’t know about equalling Bishan paaji”

Saxena said he had not been aware of the milestone. “I didn’t know about equalling Bishan paaji,” he said, before asking who held the record. The answer is Rajinder Goel, whose 59 five-wicket hauls remain the Ranji Trophy benchmark.

Kerala entered the final day with Odisha already four wickets down. “The plan was simple: land the ball in the right areas,” Saxena said, adding that the pitch then helped. He credited the result to the team, saying, “It is a team effort.”

Kerala’s first-innings platform came from centuries by Sachin Baby and Mohammed Azharuddeen. Saxena also praised fellow off-spinner Vaisakh Chandran, saying he enjoyed bowling in tandem with the younger player and describing him as “a talented off-spinner and a keen learner.”

Saxena still aims higher

At 39, Saxena said he remains driven by long-term ambitions. “If you don’t have long-term goals, then there is no point in playing Ranji Trophy,” he said. He added that he is always aiming to progress to the next level, while noting that teammates Sachin Baby and Mohammed Azharuddeen also aspire to play in the IPL and represent India.

Kerala’s next opponent is Bengal. Saxena said the side would take its campaign “one game at a time.”