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Saransh Jain has revealed that Rishabh Pant is the most “chill” captain he has played under, praising the wicketkeeper-batter for keeping the players relaxed both on and off the field. Jain made his Test debut for India under Shubman Gill during the Test series against Sri Lanka and picked up three wickets in his first international appearance.
Jain is now set to return to domestic cricket under Rishabh Pant as part of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup. Ahead of the match, he spoke about the difference between returning to domestic cricket after making his India debut, his preparation with the Rest of India squad and his approach to the role assigned to him.
I will try my best to fulfil whatever role my team assigns me - Saransh Jain
Saransh Jain expects the Irani Cup to feel slightly different after his international debut. He believes playing for India has also raised expectations around him when he returns to domestic cricket, but his focus remains on contributing according to the team's requirements.
The off-spinner also said the Rest of India squad had a positive atmosphere during their preparation and that the players looked in good shape ahead of the tournament.
“It will absolutely be a bit different because when you return to domestic cricket after playing a Test match, the team has higher expectations of you since you’ve become an international player. I will try my best to fulfil whatever role my team assigns me,” he said in an interview with RevSportz.
Saransh Jain added that the squad had a productive training session and was preparing well for the Irani Cup.
“Regarding preparation, we had a very good session on Tuesday. There was a great vibe visible across the entire squad, and the whole team looked in very good shape.”
Jain made his India debut under Gill in the Test series against Sri Lanka. He bowled 57.4 overs across the match and finished with figures of 2/69 in the first innings and 1/98 in the second.
I think he seems like the most chill captain - Saransh Jain on Rishabh Pant
While Gill led Jain during his India debut, the spinner has also spent time around Pant and believes the wicketkeeper-batter has a different approach to captaincy. Jain described Pant as someone who keeps the players relaxed while still being tactically smart on the field.
According to Jain, Pant's message to players is to trust their natural game rather than attempt something extraordinary. He also highlighted the freedom given to players to discuss their ideas with the captain.
“I think he seems like the most chill captain to me. He is just as smart on the field, but normally, both on and off the field, he keeps the players very relaxed. His main advice is just to play normal cricket; there’s no need to do anything extraordinary because things happen in normal cricket,” Jain explained.
Jain further spoke about the freedom Pant gives his teammates to communicate their thoughts and plans before the team decides on the way forward.
“The message was that everyone has freedom; whoever wants to do what, or discuss their plans, can come and tell him. Then the team will decide what to do,” he added.
Right now, my focus is playing the Irani Cup and trying to make the Rest of India the champions - Saransh Jain
Saransh Jain will now have to quickly adapt to a new dressing room after spending time with the Indian team. The Rest of India squad features players from different domestic teams, but Jain does not believe knowing every teammate personally is necessary to build an understanding on the field.
With the Irani Cup now his immediate assignment, Jain said his priority is straightforward: contribute to the Rest of India's campaign and help the side win the title. He stated:
“All the players are quite smart, so it isn’t necessary to know someone deeply on a personal level to understand things. When you see them as professional players, you understand what they are demanding and what their nature is.”
“Right now, my focus is playing the Irani Cup and trying to make the Rest of India the champions.”
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