Jalaj Saxena joins Maharashtra after parting methods with Kerala

Veteran home cricketer Jalaj Saxena on Saturday (September 13, 2025) joined Maharashtra forward of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 after parting methods with Kerala the place he performed for 9 seasons.

The Maharashtra Cricket Association introduced that Saxena, who made his debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2005-06 earlier than shifting to Kerala in 2016-17, might be becoming a member of their ranks.

“Jalaj Saxena is considered one of India’s most completed and versatile all-rounders in home cricket. His profession is distinguished by excellent performances throughout all codecs, incomes widespread recognition from cricket consultants and analysts,” the MCA mentioned.

“His strengths lengthen past simply batting and bowling. Saxena’s deep understanding of the sport, tactical acumen, means to carry out below stress, and his willingness to mentor youthful gamers make him a useful asset to the Maharashtra squad,” it added.

The 38-year-old Saxena is the second large title to hitch the Maharashtra this season after India batter Prithvi Shaw joined them from Mumbai.

A highly-accomplished cricketer who has by no means represented India on the highest stage, Saxena has performed 150 first-class matches, scoring 7,060 runs at 33.77 with 14 centuries and 34 half-centuries. He has claimed 484 wickets with 34 five-fors within the format.

Saxena has additionally performed 109 List A and 73 T20 matches in his almost two-decade lengthy profession other than taking part in for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings within the Indian Premier League.

Maharashtra has been bolstering their squad forward of the home season as alongside facet roping in Saxena and Shaw, they’ve additionally introduced again Australia’s Shaun Williams into their arrange as their director of cricket.

Williams was Maharashtra’s head coach from 2008-12 when the staff certified for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals in addition to gained the National T20 title in 2009-10.

He was appointed the MCA common supervisor in 2012 throughout which the Maharashtra staff reached the ultimate of the Ranji Trophy 2013-14 other than profitable CK Nayudu Trophy with the U-25 staff.

“Jalaj Saxena is an immensely proficient and skilled cricketer whose achievements within the Ranji Trophy and home cricket are actually distinctive. He stands amongst India’s greatest all-rounders,” MCA president Rohit Pawar mentioned.

“His huge expertise will vastly profit the youthful gamers within the Maharashtra staff, and his inclusion strengthens the staff considerably,” he added.

Saxena, who had introduced his exit from Kerala on social media a couple of days in the past, mentioned he’s trying ahead to his new staff and taking part in alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shaw amongst others.

“It is a matter of nice pleasure for me to hitch the Maharashtra cricket staff. Maharashtra cricket has a wealthy legacy, and I’m absolutely ready to contribute my greatest for the staff,” he mentioned.

“It is an honour to play alongside gamers like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, and Ankit Bawne, in addition to many proficient newcomers. The Maharashtra Premier League is a superb platform that helps upcoming gamers showcase their expertise,” Saxena added.

Williams mentioned, “His all-around skills, coupled together with his expertise and management, might be invaluable for each the staff and younger cricketers in search of steerage. Jalaj Saxena is definitely a key prospect for Maharashtra this season.”