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Saransh Jain, the 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, is now just one step away from realising his dream of playing for India. Saransh Jain was handed the first-ever call-up to the India National Cricket Team for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August.
The seasoned all-rounder was handed the maiden India call-up after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the crucial Sri Lanka tour due to an injury following his consistent performances in domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, Hanuma Vihari hails Saransh Jain but seeks answers over Jalaj Saxena snub.
Age is definitely just a number: Saransh Jain on rare India selection
Saransh’s selection is a special achievement because very few Indian cricketers have made their Test debut after turning 33. Since 1955, only Robin Singh and Rakesh Shukla have managed to do so. However, the off-spinner never allowed his age to affect his confidence and always believed his chance would come.
The all-rounder has stressed that modern cricket has changed a lot, and players are judged more by their fitness and performances than their age. He always believed that if he continued performing well, he would eventually earn a place in the Indian team, whether this year or the next.
Saransh Jain said on JioStar, “Age is definitely just a number, so 33 is just a number because of the fielding standards these days, which are so high that your age doesn't show on the field. I knew, if I hadn't made it into the Indian team today, I would have played in the next year or two, but I was certain I'd make it.”
Saransh Jain receives dream India call-up right after Temple visit
Interestingly, Saransh received the biggest news of his career just after visiting an Indore temple. On Tuesday morning, the BCCI announced India's squad for the Sri Lanka Test series. When he came out of the temple and checked his phone, there were several missed calls and messages.
Before he could understand what had happened, his Madhya Pradesh teammate Parth Sahani called and congratulated him. At first, Saransh was surprised because India squads are usually announced later in the day. Once he realised the news was official, he was “extremely happy”.
Saransh Jain reveals Harbhajan Singh's valuable lesson before Sri Lanka tour
Meanwhile, Saransh Jain also attended a special training camp for off-spinners at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru earlier this year in March. During the camp, the off-spinner worked closely with former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.
The World Cup winner helped the Indore lad improve the tactical side of his bowling rather than making technical changes. Saransh revealed that Harbhajan advised him on using different angles and variations more effectively.
He shared, “He gave me a few tips on using angles and variations. One piece of advice that will always stay with me is 'To gain something, you don't have to lose something but do something.'” Amid this, Meet India's new all-rounder picked for Sri Lanka Test series.
Saransh banks on Galle experience
The all-rounder also believes that his previous experience of playing in Galle could help him during the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.
Saransh signed off by saying, “I had been to Sri Lanka as a junior cricketer, but this was my first time playing in Galle. It was also my first time bowling with a red Kookaburra ball. So, it was a good experience for the upcoming series.”
