Jalaj Saxena Takes 5/34 as Kerala Crush Odisha by 36 Runs

Kerala trounced Odisha by an innings and 36 runs after dismantling the hosts for 143 all‑out in just 23 overs, the final wicket dropping at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Jalaj Saxena’s spell was the engine of the victory – 5 wickets for 34 runs from 18 overs, his 35th five‑for in the Ranji Trophy, tying Bishan Singh Bedi for fifth‑most in the competition’s history.

The veteran spinner explained that the key was to land the ball in the right zones; the pitch obliged, and the bowlers kept the pressure high, leaving Odisha four wickets down before the final day.

Kerala’s batters set the tone with centuries from Sachin Baby and Mohammed Azharuddeen, lifting the team to a 179/1 platform that left the visitors with little choice but to fold.

With the Ranji playoffs now on the horizon, Kerala’s next match is against Bengal – a game that will test how far the team can go after this emphatic win.