It’s never an easy task being an all-rounder. Ask Jalaj Saxena, recipient of the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-rounder in Ranji Trophy thrice in the last five years. And now his performances have been rewarded with an IPL contract with the Delhi Capitals. He also has achieved the rare feat of scoring a century and picking up an 8-wicket haul in the same match, the only Indian ever to do so twice. The winning poster of the 2013 Mumbai Indians squad has him featured in the front row, but he did not get a game. This year he hopes things are different.

In this exclusive, Saxena reflects on his journey as a cricketer, his stint with the Delhi Capitals, and how love for the game which has kept him going.