Jalaj has been an outstanding domestic performer over the years.
Despite being constantly overlooked, Jalaj Saxena remains hopeful of one day receiving the call-up to play for India.
Jalaj, near his 33rd birthday, has been a proven domestic all-round performer but has not yet gotten close to wearing the national jersey.
He just recently took a seven-fer in one of the Deodhar Trophy encounters playing for India C against India A in Ranchi.
"If I am performing well, frustration is not there," Jalaj told Sportstar. "Four-five years ago, I used to get frustrated (not getting the India cap). Those around me told me to enjoy my performance."
"Selection is not in my hands. My job is to play cricket and that is what I am doing."
"The motivation is always to play for India. I wake up every morning with this hope," he added.
Having played for Madhya Pradesh before switching states to Kerala, Jalaj, in total, has scored 6153 runs and has taken 307 wickets in 115 first-class matches, 1847 runs and 105 wickets in 91 List ‘A’ matches and 585 runs and 41 wickets in 48 T20 matches.
"My hard work off the field gets translated into performance on the field. I need to improve my game every year, every season… In the last six-seven years, I have developed mentally. Yoga has been a big help," said the admirably determined cricketer who hopes to get better each day.
"Every year one needs to learn something new and add something. Otherwise, one will lag… Variations are important but one must understand how effective the stock delivery will be."
"If my stock delivery, which is off-spin, is effective, only then will my variations work… I am trying some variations — carrom ball, googly, leg-spin," Jalaj added.
"I try to perform in whichever situation or position I get. For India ‘A’ sides, I have batted at No. 7. In Ranji Trophy, I open and also bat at No.6 or 7. Being a professional you have to adjust to these things."
(Inputs from Sportstar)