The present model of Jalaj, although, is rather a lot completely different. He’s 34, and far calmer. He hardly worries about ‘results’, doesn’t rue the dearth of ‘rewards’. Instead, he’s nonetheless charged up as ever, stressing age is only a quantity. His solely focus is on the method. It would possibly sound cliched, nevertheless it’s additionally true.
Here he’s, working on carrom balls and googlies, including to his armoury.
And the outcomes have come. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021, he picked up 8 wickets at an financial system of simply 3.74. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he obtained 10 wickets from 5 matches at a unimaginable financial system of 6.26. The reward – an IPL contract – was very properly deserved.
“I like to update myself every year, I try to keep learning new things,” he tells Cricketnext. “I’ve been working on the carrom ball since long. Not just that, there are many variations that I try to keep learning. It’s always good to learn new things. You shouldn’t be stagnant. That’s what I’ve been doing, these are the rewards, that I’m getting selected for IPL franchises again. So I like to stay updated and keep learning new things.
“Honestly, I’m just taking it as a process to become a better player. Results are just an outcome of the process. I want to become a better bowler, a better player. For that I need to update myself and learn new things. That is the process.
“I think age is just a number. If you’re fit enough, if you’re performing and willing to learn new stuff, then age is just a number. Secondly, I love playing so there’s no question of motivation. When I started cricket as a career it was just because I loved it. Still I love it, that’s the motivation. Every day, every season when I start preparation, I want to add new things and improve. Hopefully, I will play for the country as well.”
Jalaj’s transition – from an individual questioning about rewards to at least one who’s absolutely targeted on the method – is probably the most hanging distinction in his journey during the last three years.
Has the mindset been arduous to amass?
“I’ve been fortunate that I have people around me who always guide me. They’re always there when I felt negativity in my heart. I feel it’s again a process, you learn about that mentality and learn to be positive. This is the phase where I’m very positive and looking forward to new phases of my life. I’m not having any negative thoughts,” he explains.
“My brother Jatin Saxena, we always have long chats about life and cricket. After every match we speak for 30-40 minutes. He has been a great motivator and a great friend who has always helped me in my cricketing journey.”
Jalaj has been with IPL groups Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils prior to now however is but to play a sport.
“Very happy and excited to be in the IPL,” he says. “We all know that IPL is a very good platform for everyone who wants to play for the country. You never know, one good season and you’re there. Very happy and excited, hopefully I’ll get an opportunity and hopefully Punjab team does well so that every player will get into the limelight. I’m very excited about it.
“I feel I’m very fortunate to play under Anil Kumble (coach). Anil sir is a legend and if I talk about spin. he’s an institution. There will be so much to learn from him and I’m looking forward to it. Hope I learn many things.”
Jalaj was unsold final season, however the debut may occur this yr contemplating the dearth of Indian all-rounders within the Punjab Kings arrange. He is not only trying ahead to creating his IPL debut, however has his eyes on greater issues.
“We lifting the trophy and me contributing. That’s one thing I dream of. It’s a result-oriented thing, but if we can focus on the process the results will come.”
