Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Saransh Jain after the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder earned his maiden India call-up for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Ashwin said the 33-year-old has been rewarded for years of consistent domestic performances and believes the off-spinner deserves the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.
Saransh was drafted into India’s squad after Washington Sundar was ruled out through injury. The left-handed batter and off-spinner has been in excellent form in domestic cricket and further strengthened his case with a strong showing for India A during their recent tour of Sri Lanka. His selection is being viewed as a deserved breakthrough for a player who has worked his way up through the domestic circuit without making much noise.
The Madhya Pradesh cricketer played a key role in his state’s Ranji Trophy success under coach Chandrakant Pandit, and he backed that up with another impressive tour of Sri Lanka for India A. Across two matches, Saransh scored an unbeaten 70 and picked up six wickets, underlining his value as a genuine bowling all-rounder.
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Ashwin praised Saransh’s style of off-spin, describing him as a bowler who looks to attack and take wickets rather than simply contain runs. While acknowledging the stiff competition in India’s spin department, he said he hopes the newcomer is given a fair chance to show what he can do at the highest level.
“I am very happy for him. I have seen him and I think very highly of him. He bowls wide off the crease and attacks. He is a different type of off-spinner. His job is to take wickets, and he has done a commendable job. I hope he gets a chance. Manav will play, Jadeja and Kuldeep will play, so he might have to sit out too. But I really hope he gets an opportunity because he has it in him to perform,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.
Ashwin also spoke at length about Washington Sundar, saying the all-rounder has often been used without a clearly defined role in India’s Test side. According to him, the team management must decide whether Sundar is primarily in the XI as a batter or as one of the frontline bowlers.
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He stressed that role clarity is essential for Sundar’s long-term success and for avoiding unfair criticism when India lose. Ashwin argued that Sundar is a valuable cricketer who needs clear communication from the selectors and team management to get the best out of his abilities.
Saransh’s inclusion is a major milestone in a career built on persistence, discipline and consistent performances in domestic cricket. For Ashwin, it is also a reminder that players who keep performing in first-class cricket eventually deserve their moment in the national spotlight.
