Who is Jalaj Saxena? 39-year-old cricketer who played for MI, PBKS but never India, to become oldest player in IPL 2026 mini-auction
All-rounder Jalaj Saxena, 39, is the oldest player up for grabs in the IPL 2026 mini auction scheduled to be held on December 16. Saxena, who has a magnificent record in domestic cricket, including over 7000 runs and nearly 500 wickets in first-class cricket, is hoping to make his mark in the IPL this year.
The IPL 2026 mini auction, which will take place in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, December 16, promises to be an action-packed event despite being a one-day affair. Many star players are expected to go under the hammer, but one name stands out as the oldest player in this year’s auction: Jalaj Saxena.
Saxena, 39, who celebrates his birthday on December 15, will be the most experienced player competing for a place in one of the eight IPL series. Saxena, an experienced domestic cricketer, has had a long and successful career despite having limited experience in the IPL.
A Career Based in Domestic Cricket
Jalaj Saxena’s journey in Indian cricket has been defined by his remarkable consistency in domestic competitions. A versatile all-rounder, Saxena accumulated 7202 runs and 496 wickets in 155 first-class matches. His achievements are even more impressive considering his 709 runs and 86 wickets in 79 T20s, showcasing his talent in shorter formats.
Saxena’s most notable achievement came in the Ranji Trophy, where he became the first Indian cricketer to score 6000 runs and take 400 wickets; It’s a feat that puts his name in the record books. Additionally, he proved his all-rounder credentials by amassing 2056 runs and 123 wickets in 109 matches in List A cricket.
IPL Career: A Limited But Remarkable Presence
Although Saxena has been a part of many IPL franchises over the years, including Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), he hasn’t had much of a chance to shine on the IPL stage. His IPL debut came in 2021 and remains his only appearance in the tournament. But he made history before that by becoming the first player to represent MI in the 2014 Champions League, a year before playing in the IPL.
Despite limited IPL opportunities, Saxena consistently performed in domestic cricket and earned his reputation as a reliable all-rounder. He had played for the India A team in the past and was close to breaking into the National Team, but competition from the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department kept him out of the Test team.
A New Chapter with IPL 2026?
With the IPL 2026 mini auction around the corner, Saxena will be hoping for a fresh start in the world’s most popular T20 league. His vast experience with both bat and ball could be a valuable asset to any team looking to add a reliable, versatile player to its roster. It remains to be seen whether Saxena will find a place in the IPL once again, but his domestic cricket background and impressive track record make him a player to watch in tomorrow’s auction.
As the IPL 2026 mini auction approaches, all eyes will be on Saxena and whether he can secure a coveted place in the tournament despite his age. The auction will be an exciting day for cricket fans and Saxena’s career is set for a possible new chapter.
