New Delhi, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Saransh Jain’s maiden Test call-up for India’s upcoming two-match tour of Sri Lanka is the culmination of more than a decade of perseverance, discipline and constant improvement, according to those who have followed the Indore all-rounder’s journey closely.
The 33-year-old off-spinner, who bats left-handed, has been a consistent performer for Madhya Pradesh and India ‘A’, earning his place in the national squad through sustained performances in domestic cricket. In 54 first-class matches, Jain has scored 2,223 runs and taken 188 wickets.
After making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2014, Jain spent years waiting for regular opportunities before playing a key role in Madhya Pradesh’s historic maiden title triumph in 2022. He claimed 13 wickets during that campaign and contributed with a crucial knockout-stage fifty.
His breakthrough season came in 2025-26, when Jain scored 518 runs at an average of 57.55 and picked up 30 wickets at 20.43. He also impressed in the Duleep Trophy for Central Zone, taking 16 wickets and scoring two fifties in just two matches.
Former BCCI secretary and national selector Sanjay Jagdale described Jain as a hardworking and consistent cricketer who had “forced his entry” into the Indian team through years of performances with both bat and ball.
“He has been a very consistent performer for MP – constantly improving, working very hard on his fitness and other things also,” Jagdale told IANS.
Jain’s rise has also been shaped by his father Subodh Jain, a former Madhya Pradesh off-spinner, who played a major role in developing his son’s skills. Coaches at Vijay Club in Indore recalled how Subodh created practice facilities at home, including a rooftop net setup, to ensure Jain had enough time to train.
Madhya Pradesh coach Chandrakant Pandit also played a significant role in backing Jain’s abilities. After joining the state setup in 2020, Pandit identified him as a genuine off-spinner capable of contributing with the bat and provided him the confidence and opportunities needed to progress.
Pandit helped Jain refine his bowling approach, including encouraging him to bowl around the wicket, a strategy that enhanced his ability to generate drift and trouble batters.
Jain’s recent performances have strengthened his case further. Earlier this month, he scored an unbeaten 70 and took six wickets in a four-day match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Galle, the venue for India’s first Test.
With Washington Sundar unavailable due to a hamstring injury and Sri Lanka expected to field a left-hand-heavy batting order, Jain has emerged as a strong contender for a place in India’s playing XI.
If selected for the opening Test, Jain will become one of the oldest Indian players to make a Test debut in recent decades. His journey from local cricket and rooftop practice sessions to the national squad represents years of persistence and belief.
His father summed up the achievement with a simple message on WhatsApp: “Mera sapna tha, woh poora hua” (My dream has come true).
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