MP’s Jalaj Saxena to receive BCCI honour

BHOPAL: 2015 ended on a good note for Madhya Pradesh cricket. Jalaj Saxena has been adjudged winner of coveted Lala Amarnath award for best all round performance in Ranji Trophy for the season 2014-15. BCCI announced the award on Thursday. He has to his credit 16 wickets for 154 in a single match, which is the second-best figure in the history of Ranji Trophy.His haul matched those taken by former Rajasthan fast bowler Pradeep Sunderam against Vidarbha in 1985. Anil Kumble of Karnataka holds the record of best bowling figure in a Ranji Trophy match. He had claimed 16 for mere 99 runs against Kerala in 1995.
Jalaj Saxena also proved to be the backbone of MP Ranji team this season as he scored 583 runs and captured 17 wickets. His energetic fielding also attracted attention of many.
Talking to TOI from Baroda, Jalaj said, “It is a big honour for me. It will encourage me to keep playing the best cricket.”
Jalaj has been a regular player of MP Ranji team for last many years. Hailing from Indore, Jalaj has been a consistent performer with both leather and blade in domestic cricket. At present, he is represent state team in a T20 tournament at Baroda.
His elder brother Jatin Saxena has also been a consistent all rounder. He is the captain of Bhopal division cricket team.
Meanwhile, MPCA has congratulated Jalaj for his achievement . The BCCI annual awards, 2014-15 will be held in Mumbai on January 5.