Kochi: Having officially confirmed his move to Maharashtra for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena reflects on his nine-year stint with Kerala with pride and a tinge of emotion.The 38-year-old all-rounder joined Kerala from Madhya Pradesh in the 2016-17 season. As he steps away, Jalaj leaves behind a legacy built on grit, consistency, and camaraderie.Reflecting on his Kerala stint, Jalaj calls it nothing short of “a beautiful life.” Having played 20 years of professional cricket — nearly half of it with Kerala — he regards the experience as transformative.“Kerala gave me everything — respect, recognition, and friendships I’ll cherish for life,” he tells TOI. “Whatever little people know me for, it’s because of my time with Kerala.”His bond with the team extended well beyond the boundary rope. “They treated me like family,” he says, recalling the way his teammates and support staff made him feel at home away from home.As a vegetarian in a coastal state known for its seafood, he initially faced a cultural and culinary shock.“But they made sure I had proper vegetarian food — even arranged paneer for me,” he beams. “Those small things meant a lot. They made me feel I belonged,” Jalaj reminisces.Among his several memories, the 2024-25 Ranji season stands out as a pinnacle moment. Kerala’s historic run to the final may have ended in a loss, but for Jalaj, it symbolized everything he stood for. “It was a dream come true. The coach (Amay Khurasia) changed the culture. The players, the association…everyone contributed. It was a combined effort, and I’m sure Kerala will go further in the future.”But he is quick to stress that he doesn’t define his career in highs and lows. “Even the lowest points taught me something. I don’t see them as failures, but as lessons.”Though he never picked up Malayalam, he never felt the language barrier.“Cricket is a language in itself,” he says.Kerala all-rounder Vinoop Manoharan admits filling the void created by Jalaj will be difficult. “He is a stalwart, with a wealth of experience. His calm, zen-like presence will be missed. A wonderful senior, we used to call him JB (Jalaj bhai),” Vinoop says.Jalaj, who has never represented India at the highest level, has featured in 150 first-class matches, scoring 7,060 runs at an average of 33.77. He notched up 14 centuries and 34 half-centuries and claimed 484 wickets with 34 five-fors.He has also played 109 List A and 73 T20 matches apart from playing for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.His decision to move to Maharashtra is 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.”And no, retirement is not on his mind. “People think at 38 I’m slowing down, but it’s the opposite. I still dream of playing for India, even the IPL. I’m fit, motivated, and working hard,” he laughs.To aspiring cricketers, his advice is simple: “Aim high. Playing just Ranji Trophy isn’t enough. Dream of playing for the country. That’s what keeps you going.”And to his 18-year-old self? “I still feel like I’m 18,” he chuckles.
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“Let’s revisit that question when I retire,” he adds.For now, Jalaj moves on. But a part of his heart stays back in Kerala, forever part of the team’s cricketing story.
