Saransh Jain’s journey to the Indian Test team is a story of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief. At 33, when many cricketers begin thinking about the final phase of their careers, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder has earned his maiden India call-up for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. In an era where youth is often prioritised, Jain has proved that consistent performances and determination can still open the doors to international cricket.

Named in India’s squad as an off-spin bowling all-rounder capable of contributing with the bat, Saransh believes age should never define a player’s ambitions. Instead, he credits former India captain Virat Kohli for changing the perception around fitness and longevity in modern cricket.

Speaking to PTI ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, Saransh said Kohli’s dedication continues to inspire him every day. “Age is just a number. For me, it is the same. The fitness trend that Virat Kohli has been doing, I think he is the youngest on the ground. I get motivated by seeing him and work hard for my fitness,” Saransh Jain said.

WATCH – Jemimah Rodrigues’ Hug With Fatima Sana Goes Viral After The Hundred Match

The India call-up is the culmination of more than two decades of sacrifice, not only from Saransh but also from his family. Reflecting on the emotional milestone, the all-rounder revealed that his family had waited 26 years for this moment, with his father, former first-class cricketer Subodh Jain, playing the biggest role in his journey.

Saransh had previously admitted that he considered retiring from domestic cricket while his father was battling cancer. During one of the toughest phases of his life, his bedridden father, unable to speak, wrote an emotional message on a piece of paper: “Beta, tu jitna accha karega, main utni jaldi theek ho jaaunga” (Son, the better you perform, the quicker I will recover).

Those words became the driving force behind Saransh’s career and continue to motivate him every time he steps onto the field.

SARANSH JAIN TALKING ABOUT VIRAT KOHLI & HIS GREATNESS.🐐 (PTI).

– King Kohli, The Inspiration. pic.twitter.com/UFWdCv73lN

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 1, 2026

“We have been waiting for this for 26 years. There is a lot of hard work and struggle behind it. There are sacrifices, not just mine but of my family as well. This journey has been full of ups and downs. Finally, I have got this reward, and I am very happy. I am happiest for my father and my family,” he said.

Saransh’s rise is also significant because he reached the Indian team without playing in the Indian Premier League, a route that has become increasingly common for modern cricketers. The 33-year-old believes sustained performances in domestic cricket ultimately earned him the selectors’ trust.

ALSO READ: Rob Key Breaks Silence On Joe Root’s Return to England Test Captaincy

Having scored 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 and claimed 188 wickets at 27.30 in 54 first-class matches, Saransh Jain has built an impressive domestic record over several seasons. He feels the selectors rewarded his consistency rather than one standout performance. “In the last three to four years, I have performed consistently. The selectors look at your recent performances as well as what you’ve done over a period of time. I think they consider all those factors before making a decision,” Saransh added.

With the Sri Lanka Test series beginning on August 15, Saransh Jain now has the opportunity to turn years of hard work, family sacrifice, and unwavering belief into an unforgettable international debut.