Kerala secured a commanding innings and 36-run victory over Odisha at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, bolstered by a brilliant bowling display from veteran off-spinner
Saxena was the standout performer, bamboozling the Odisha batters with a masterful spell that yielded figures of 5/34 from 18 overs. This performance marked his 35th five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy, a milestone that draws him level with the legendary
A Milestone Performance and Team Effort
Reflecting on the achievement, Saxena remained modest, acknowledging the record held by Rajinder Goel, who leads the all-time list with 59 five-wicket hauls. The spinner attributed his sustained success to a rigorous off-season fitness program focused on core and back strength, which has allowed him to bowl extended spells with consistency. He noted that the team’s strategy on the final day was straightforward: to maintain pressure by landing the ball in challenging areas, allowing the pitch conditions to assist the bowlers.
While Saxena’s bowling was the catalyst for the final-day collapse, he was quick to credit the collective effort of the squad. The victory was set up by a strong batting performance earlier in the match, highlighted by centuries from Sachin Baby and Mohammed Azharuddeen. Saxena also praised his spin-bowling partner, Vaisakh Chandran, describing him as a talented and dedicated learner.
Despite his age, the veteran remains highly motivated, emphasizing that long-term goals and the aspiration to reach the next level remain central to his commitment to the game. With this victory secured, Kerala now turns its attention to the upcoming fixture against Bengal. Saxena expressed a desire to maintain the team's current momentum, stating that the focus remains on taking the tournament one match at a time.
