From father’s cancer battle to India Test debut: Saransh Jain’s inspiring journey

Saransh Jain’s journey to earning his maiden India Test cap is intertwined with his father Subodh Jain’s battle with cancer and a handwritten note that became a source of inspiration throughout his career.

On Sunday, the 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder received his maiden Test cap from Ravindra Jadeja before India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo.

Jain’s debut made him India’s oldest Test debutant since 1998. The last Indian to make his Test debut after turning 33 was Robin Singh, who was 35 years and 23 days old when he played against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1998.

Cricket runs in the Jain family. Saransh’s father, Subodh, was an off-spinner who represented Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket during the 1980s. Saransh also bowls off-spin, although he has developed into an all-rounder.

He made his first-class debut during the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season and has since played 54 first-class matches.

When Saransh began showing an interest in cricket, Subodh, a bank employee, stood firmly behind his son’s ambitions despite facing a serious personal battle of his own.

Subodh was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2014, when Saransh was on a Madhya Pradesh club tour of Australia. The family chose not to tell the then 21-year-old about the diagnosis, allowing him to remain focused on cricket while his father underwent major surgery.

When Saransh returned home, he was told about his father’s condition. Subodh then gave his son a handwritten note that would stay with him throughout his domestic career.

“I am fine now, son. If you just play better, I will get well sooner,” the note read.

Those words became a powerful source of motivation for Saransh as he continued to pursue his dream of playing for India.

When Saransh received his first India call-up, Subodh spoke proudly about his son fulfilling the dream that had eluded him during his own playing days.

“I am overwhelmed. I played Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh but, like many others, I couldn’t fulfil my dream. Today, my son has fulfilled it,” Subodh told PTI.

He also recalled recognising Saransh’s talent at a young age. Saransh and Rajat Patidar have played together since they were 11, and Subodh said people who watched his son during his Under-12 days quickly noticed that he possessed something special.

“It was Chandrakant Pandit who saw something special in him. Everyone knows Chandu Pandit ji has an exceptional eye for talent,” Subodh said.

For Subodh, Saransh’s Test debut is more than just a sporting achievement. It is the culmination of a journey that began with a father supporting his son while fighting for his own health.

On Sunday, after finally seeing his son represent India, Subodh told TimesofIndia.com that he felt relieved and more determined than ever.

“I fought cancer to see my son play for India. Now he has given me a new lease of life, and I want to keep fighting and see him reach greater heights,” he said.