‘As baffling as it gets, what a shame’ - Venkatesh Prasad's scathing remark at selectors following Jalaj Saxena’s Duleep Trophy snub

Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad did not hold back as he launched an attack on the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) selectors after 36-year-old Jalaj Saxena was snubbed from South Zone’s squad in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. It is worth noting that Saxena was one of the best performers of the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season. 

Taking 50 wickets in seven matches for Kerala in the last edition of the Ranji Trophy, Saxena was just as influential with the bat as well. Throughout his career, he has amassed 6567 runs to his name, which includes 14 centuries and 32 half centuries.

Seeing him not being selected in South Zone’s squad, Venkatesh Prasad took to Twitter to lambast the BCCI selectors for not selecting Saxena. Prasad opined that his snubbing renders the Ranji Trophy useless, as there was no point to him performing at the peak of his powers in the competition. 

"There are many laughable things happening in Indian cricket. The highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy not being picked even for the South Zone team is as baffling as it gets. Just renders the Ranji Trophy useless..what a shame," Venkatesh Prasad tweeted. 

There are many laughable things happening in Indian cricket. The highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy not being picked even for the South Zone team is as baffling as it gets. Just renders the Ranji Trophy useless..what a shame https://t.co/pI57RbrI81

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) June 18, 2023

Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone: Jalaj Saxena

Furthermore, Jalaj Saxena took to Twitter as well to reflect on his snubbing from the Duleep Trophy. The 36-year-old opined that the highest wicket taker in the Ranji Trophy was not picked in the Duleep Trophy and asked whether it had ever happened in history.

"Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India (Elite Group) didn't get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone," Jalaj Saxena tweeted. 

Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India( Elite Group) didn't get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone 🙏 https://t.co/Koewj6ekRt

— Jalaj Saxena (@jalajsaxena33) June 17, 2023

It was recently revealed that Indian batter Hanuma Vihari will be leading South Zone in the Duleep Trophy. With the tournament right around the corner, it could be interesting to see how Vihari’s leadership bears fruit for the side.