Two 5-wicket hauls in a day: Jalaj Saxena rips through Bihar to create multiple Ranji records

Jalaj Saxena created history on January 31 (Friday) after he took not one but two five-wicket hauls in a single day in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Bihar taking Kerala to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2017-18. 

After the home side made a competitive 351 in their first innings, fighting a collapse, where they were reduced to 206/8, Bihar was bowled out for 64 in their first innings, their second-lowest total in Ranji Trophy history. 

Saxena was the pick of the bowlers for the South Indian side, finishing with figures of 5/19. 

The 38-year-old, born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh, also started his career for the state team but shifted sides to Karela after not finding regular chances. Since his switch, he has been highly successful, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in first-class cricket.

With his first wicket haul, his first against Bihar, Saxena took over Pankaj Singh as bowler with five-wicket hauls against the highest number of teams in the Ranji Trophy. While Rajasthan’s Singh had five-wicket hauls against 18 different teams, Saxena now has against 19 teams. 

This was his 31st five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy, which is the most by any bowler playing currently in the tournament.