Saransh Jain Earns First India Call-Up for Sri Lanka Test Series

Saransh Jain's Historic Selection

At 33 years old, Saransh Jain, an off-spinning all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, has received his first call-up to the Indian cricket team. He has been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on August 15. This selection marks a significant milestone for Jain, who has dedicated over a decade to domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. He steps in for the injured Washington Sundar, having recently toured Sri Lanka with the India A team, where he showcased his skills by scoring an unbeaten 70 in one match and taking six wickets in total after a less impressive start.

In the current IPL era, many domestic players have gained visibility, paving their way to international cricket. However, Jain's rise has been primarily attributed to his consistent domestic performances. His statistics reflect his capabilities as a genuine all-rounder, with 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 and 188 wickets at an average of 27.30 across 54 first-class matches, placing him among several recognized Indian all-rounders.

The Inspiring Journey of Saransh Jain

The Untold Story Of Saransh Jain

In an interview with Cricinfo, Jain shared a poignant story about his family's unwavering support for his cricketing ambitions. During a 2014 club tour in Australia, he was kept unaware of his father's surgery, allowing him to focus entirely on his game. Upon returning, he learned that his father had undergone facial surgery due to cancer. His father had left him a note saying, 'I am fine now, son. If you just play better, I will get well sooner.'

Cricket runs in Jain's family; his father, Subodh Jain, played for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy and aspired to represent India. This dream has now been passed down to Saransh, who trained alongside Rajat Patidar, the current captain of Madhya Pradesh and a notable Indian batter, at the Vijay Club in Indore.

Saransh Jain's Cricketing Achievements

Saransh Jain's Cricket Journey

Jain has represented Central Zone and Rest of India in inter-zonal competitions and has been a part of the Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy team since the 2014-15 season, highlighting his esteemed position in domestic cricket despite the delay in national recognition. His impressive performance in the last Ranji Trophy season saw him leading the scoring charts for Madhya Pradesh with 518 runs from seven matches at an average of 57.55, including three half-centuries and a century. Additionally, he took 30 wickets, the second highest for the team, trailing only Kumar Kartikeya's 35. In List A matches, Jain has accumulated 553 runs and taken 38 wickets, while in T20s, he has claimed 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.25.