He’s got it in him: R Ashwin backs Saransh Jain on his India vs Sri Lanka Test debut

Saransh Jain’s first India Test call-up may have taken years, but one of the country’s biggest supporters believes the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder deserved every bit of it. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has closely followed Jain’s rise in domestic cricket, said he hoped the 33-year-old would get an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

India named Jain in their 15-man squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday as a reward for a decade of consistent home performances. In his appearance on YouTube Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said that Jain has the qualities needed to succeed in Test cricket, although the competition for placement could delay his debut.

“I’m very happy for him. I’ve seen him. I think very highly of him. He comes wide open from the crease. He attacks. He’s a different type of off-spinner. His job is to take wickets. He’s done a very commendable job.”

Ashwin also acknowledged that breaking into India’s playing XI would not be easy, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar expected to be among the spin options. However, he backed Jain to take his chance whenever it came.

“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 so because he has what it takes to step up.”

Jain’s selection comes at a crucial time, with Washington Sundar part of the squad undergoing a fitness test as he recovers from a hamstring injury. The selectors opted for the experienced all-rounder, who impressed on India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two matches and scoring an unbeaten 70 in conditions similar to those expected in the Test series.

THE LONG WAIT IS OVER FOR SARANSH JAIN

Born in Indore, Jain has quietly built one of the strongest domestic records among Indian all-rounders since his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2014-15 season. In 54 first-class matches, he scored more than 2,000 runs at an average of 31.75 and took 188 wickets at 27.30.

His rise has been driven by consistency rather than headline performances. Jain played a key role in Madhya Pradesh’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 2022 before enjoying outstanding domestic seasons that earned him the Lala Amarnath Award as the country’s best all-rounder. He also finished as the player of the series in the Duleep Trophy 2025 after taking 16 wickets to lead Central Zone to the title.

Behind these numbers lies a story of resilience. During his early years in domestic cricket, Jain’s father, former Madhya Pradesh cricketer Subodh Jain, underwent cancer surgery while his son was on tour in Australia. Unable to speak after the surgery, he wrote a handwritten note to Saransh urging him to concentrate on cricket. Jain kept this note throughout his career and drew inspiration from it during his long wait for an invitation to India.

If selected in Galle, Jain will become India’s first specialist off-spinner to make his Test debut since Washington Sundar in 2021. After years of knocking on the door, the veteran all-rounder now has a chance to justify the faith of the selectors – and Ashwin, who believe he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Team: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Gumraj, Brahnad Sirrah, Braham Krishnad Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain. Washington Sundar has also been included, subject to fitness clearance.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

Jul 29, 2026 09:38 IST