“Useless playing Ranji now?” – Harbhajan Singh slams selectors for picking players based on IPL after Jalaj Saxena gets ignored by India A
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed the selectors for ignoring the Ranji Trophy by picking players based on Indian Premier League (IPL) performances. He questioned the players about the importance of the prestigious domestic tournament after Jalaj Saxena failed to make it to India A despite scoring 6000 runs and picking up 400 wickets, the first player to do so.
Harbhajan’s reaction came after a tweet posted by a journalist on social media. The user wrote:
“400 wickets and 6000 runs for @jalajsaxena33 in the Ranji Trophy. The first man to achieve the feat in India's national tournament. But still not good enough to play for India. Hard to comprehend. A champion and consistent performer. What more should he do?”
Harbhajan Singh replied:
“Agree with you. He should be considered at least for India A. Useless of playing Ranji now? People are getting picked from IPL.”
Who is Jalaj Saxena?
Jalaj Saxena is a 37-year-old all-rounder from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The right-handed batter has amassed 6795 runs in 143 first-class matches at an average of 33.97, including 14 tons and 33 half-centuries. The off-spinner has also picked up 452 wickets, including 30 fifers. He took 34 wickets in seven games last season.
In the 2024-25 edition, Saxena has scored 101 runs and picked up eight wickets in two matches.
“Stop playing Ranji Trophy” – When Sunil Gavaskar blasted selectors for ignoring Sarfaraz Khan last year
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had also slammed the selectors for ignoring Sarfaraz Khan for the Test series in West Indies last year. The reaction came after Sarfaraz was ignored despite averaging 100-plus in the Ranji Trophy for consecutive seasons.
The cricketer-turned-commentator told India Today (via Hindustan Times):
"Sarfaraz Khan has been scoring at an average of 100 in all past three seasons. What does he have to do to be picked in the squad? He might not be in the XI, but you pick him in the team.”
“Tell him that his performances are being recognised. Otherwise, stop playing Ranji Trophy. Say, it's of no use, you just play IPL and think you are good enough for the red-ball game as well," he added.
Sarfaraz Khan eventually made his Test debut against England earlier this year. The right-handed batter scored twin half-centuries on his debut. He recently smashed 150 against New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series.