Galle International Stadium: Rewarded for a decade of relentless toil in domestic cricket, Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain said patience have been central to his journey as he finally earned his maiden India Test call-up for the upcoming two-game tour of Sri Lanka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jain, who made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2014-15 season, was included in India’s squad for the series against Sri Lanka, with the first Test set to begin at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the moment he found out about his selection, Jain said he was on his way to a temple when he noticed a string of calls and messages on his phone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“When I got the call, I was in 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 in a video shared by the BCCI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 33-year-old has spent more than a decade playing domestic cricket and said he did not feel overwhelmed after joining the India squad, largely because he has already played with most of his new teammates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“Ranji Trophy has an atmosphere. When I joined the team three days ago, I didn’t feel much difference. 70-80 per cent of the players I have played cricket with. So I think I have mixed up with all of them,” he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jain also stressed that patience is essential for anyone aspiring to play Test cricket for India, pointing to his own long wait as an example.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“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. It has been a long journey. It has been a lot of hard work and sacrifices. One day, I will definitely play for India. That was my feeling,” he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jain’s family has played a key role in keeping him grounded throughout his career, with his father himself having represented Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jain, who bats left-handed, has been a regular member of India A sides and has amassed 2,223 runs and 188 wickets in 54 first-class appearances. He spent years on the periphery before enjoying a breakthrough in 2022, when he claimed 13 wickets and scored a crucial fifty in the knockout stages to help Madhya Pradesh win their maiden Ranji Trophy title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He had also served as a net bowler when India faced Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Now, after years of waiting, Jain is finally on the brink of making his Test debut for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n