Cricket fans have reacted angrily to former India selectors Chetan Sharma and Salil Ankola after their controversial on-air remarks about domestic veteran Jalaj Saxena during a Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match between Maharashtra and Kerala at Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.

Maharashtra endured a nightmare start, collapsing to 5/4, when Jalaj Saxena, on his debut for Maharashtra, came in to bat. As broadcasters displayed his impressive First-Class statistics, commentators expressed shock that he had never represented India — a reflection of the long-running Jalaj Saxena India Dream story that continues to frustrate fans.

During the broadcast, Salil Ankola remarked that it was “very surprising” Saxena had never played for India. Chetan Sharma responded, “Surprisingly, both of us were the selectors,” prompting laughter between the two — a moment that soon went viral.

Fans Outraged by the Remarks

The exchange sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Fans accused both ex-selectors of mocking Jalaj Saxena’s India dream, despite his exceptional domestic record. Many called the comments disrespectful to a player who has given nearly two decades to Indian cricket.

“Imagine being one of the most successful all-rounders in Ranji history and still being laughed at by those who could have picked you,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Jalaj Saxena’s Domestic Cricket Legacy

The incident renewed discussion around Jalaj Saxena’s domestic career, one of the most decorated in Indian cricket history:

• Made First-Class debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2005-06, moved to Kerala in 2016-17, and joined Maharashtra this season.
• Played 150 First-Class matches, scoring 7,060 runs and taking 484 wickets.
• Only Indian after Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, and Ravindra Jadeja to achieve the 7,000 runs–450 wickets double in First-Class cricket.
• Holds a Ranji Trophy record with 6,000+ runs and 400+ wickets.

Fans Call for Respect

Supporters argued that despite his consistent domestic performances, Jalaj Saxena was repeatedly ignored by national selectors. Many said the incident symbolizes how India’s domestic greats are often under-recognized.

The Jalaj Saxena India Dream — of finally representing his country — remains unfulfilled, but fans insist that his contributions to Indian cricket deserve far more respect than the former selectors’ remarks suggested.