If you want to play Test cricket for India, you have to be patient, says Saransh Jain

Saransh Jain received his maiden Test call-up after the BCCI Men’s Selection Committee announced India’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on July 28, 2026. The 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh off-spinner, who bowls right-arm and bats left-handed, earned selection ahead of the series beginning on August 15, 2026 at Galle. Washington Sundar’s unavailability due to a hamstring injury sustained during ODIs against England created the opportunity for Jain to join the national squad.

Jain impressed during the recent India A tour to Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 70 and picked up six wickets in the second four-day game. His performance in India A cricket demonstrated his readiness for the step up to Test level. Speaking about his selection and the moment he learned of his call-up, Jain reflected on his journey to this milestone.

“When I got the call, I was at a temple. I was driving there, and I saw a call and messages in between. Then I came to know that I was selected,” Jain said.

The moment of selection and his journey to this point

Jain has emphasised the importance of patience in Test cricket, a virtue he has cultivated throughout his career since making his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2014-15 season. His father, who represented Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, instilled this value in him from an early stage.

“You have to be patient in Test cricket. If you want to play Test cricket for India, you have to be patient. I have been patient since I started my career. I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2014-15,” Jain said.

“It has been a long journey. It has involved a lot of hard work and sacrifices. One day, I will definitely play for India. That was my feeling,” he added.

Jain credited his family’s unwavering support as a driving force behind his perseverance. His father’s own experience as a Ranji Trophy player provided both guidance and inspiration during the challenging years of his career.

Integration with the India squad

“My family is behind me. My dad is a Ranji Trophy player. He told me to be patient. Things will come to you automatically,” Jain said.

Having joined the India squad three days before speaking to the media, Jain expressed confidence in his integration with the national team. He noted that the transition felt seamless because he had already played alongside most of his teammates in domestic cricket.

“Ranji Trophy has an atmosphere. When I joined the team three days ago, I didn’t feel much difference. I have played cricket with 70-80 per cent of the players. So I think I have mixed well with all of them,” Saransh said.

Jain might not get to play straight away, as India have two experienced spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks, and Manav Suthar will be the favourite to be the third spinner after his magnificent debut in the one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Mullanpur. However, if Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill believe that they could do with four spinners in the playing XI, then Jain might get a look in. The good thing about the Indore-born is that he is a solid batter.

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In 42 first-class games, Jain has amassed 1455 runs at an average of 25.98. He has one century and eight fifties to his name. Meanwhile, with the ball, he has accounted for 131 scalps at an average of 28.51.