Jalaj Saxena has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit. But even then, an India call-up has eluded the all-rounder.
As he scored another gritty fifty against Jammu and Kashmir in a Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash at the MCA Stadium on Sunday and helped Kerala fight back after reeling at 11 for 3, the seasoned campaigner made it clear that the dreams of playing for India keep him going. “I still have a dream to play for India, so it’s a big motivation,” the 38-year-old said.
“I don’t have any expectation that I will get a call tomorrow, nothing like that. It’s a part of my process that in the off-season I think what better can I do. I need to do my hard work and I need to play for India, that’s what keeps me going…,” he added.
Despite scoring nearly 7000 runs and taking more than 450 wickets in first-class cricket, it hasn’t been a smooth journey for Saxena. “But there is no pressure or there is no disappointment that I haven’t played for the country. I am very happy, I am very content. And at the same time, because I am playing professional cricket, it’s my duty to follow my dream,” he said.
“And, as a professional cricketer, if you are not aiming to play for the country, I don’t think you can survive. So that is part of the process and I am still motivated,” he added with a smile.
When he made his debut for Madhya Pradesh, two decades ago, Saxena had no clue about the challenges that life would throw at him. But his long journey – from MP to Kerala – has made him stronger. “I know that I am 38 and it would be very difficult (to play for India). It’s unrealistic. But as a professional cricketer, it is important to have that dream so that I can perform,” he said.