Cricket

Kerala's seasoned all-rounder, Jalaj Saxena, has etched his name in the annals of Indian domestic cricket by becoming the first player to amass 6000 runs and claim 400 wickets in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. This remarkable feat was achieved during the Elite Group C fourth round match against Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier's College Ground.Saxena, who had crossed the 6000-run milestone in Kerala's previous match in Kolkata, reached the double landmark after dismissing left-hander Nitish Rana with a sharp off-spin delivery that resulted in a stumping. The 37-year-old became the 13th bowler in Ranji Trophy history to reach the 400-wicket mark, a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess.Saxena's journey in First-Class cricket began in 2005 with Madhya Pradesh, where he spent 11 years, claiming 159 wickets and scoring 4041 runs. In the 2016-17 season, he moved to Kerala and has since become the second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket for the team, behind only KN Ananthapadmanabhan.Last season, Saxena joined the ranks of legends when he became only the fourth player in Indian domestic cricket history to achieve 9000 runs and 600 wickets across all formats, joining the exclusive company of Vinoo Mankad, Madan Lal, and Parvez Rasool.In the Ranji Trophy alone, Saxena's record is unparalleled among active all-rounders and stands in a league with Indian greats like Vijay Hazare, Madan Lal, and Sunil Joshi. His all-round abilities have been instrumental in Kerala's success in recent seasons, and he continues to be a vital cog in the team's quest for silverware.

Jasprit Bumrah: India's Sixth Fast Bowler to Reach 400 International WicketsIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the sixth Indian fast bowler to capture 400 international wickets. This remarkable milestone was achieved on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Bumrah's journey to 400 wickets has been marked by exceptional pace, unorthodox action, and an uncanny ability to deliver under pressure. Since his debut, he has been a cornerstone of India's bowling attack, contributing significantly to the team's success across all formats.In limited-overs cricket, Bumrah's pinpoint yorkers at the death have been a game-changer for India. His consistency and control with the new ball and at the death have made him a formidable force in both ODIs and T20Is. Bumrah holds the record for being the fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 wickets in ODIs and 50 wickets in T20Is.Bumrah's Test bowling has also been equally impressive. His ability to extract bounce and swing the old ball has made him a threat on all types of surfaces. His Test bowling average is among the best for Indian pacers, highlighting his effectiveness in the longest format of the game.Bumrah's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He made his international debut in 2016 and has quickly established himself as one of the world's leading fast bowlers. His unique skill set, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him an indispensable asset for India, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.As India's bowling attack continues to evolve, Bumrah is expected to lead the charge in the years to come. His exceptional pace, control, and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a formidable weapon in India's quest for success on the international stage.