India‘s newest Test recruit, Saransh Jain, is on the verge of achieving the dream every domestic cricketer cherishes. After being named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder is preparing for what could be his international debut. While the selection marks a major milestone in his career, Saransh has also reflected on the people whose guidance and inspiration helped him reach this stage, sharing a heartfelt story about a conversation that continues to motivate him every day.
Notably, Saransh earned his place in the squad after replacing the injured Washington Sundar. The off-spin bowling all-rounder forced his way into national contention with a superb Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season and impressive performances during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka. His consistency with both bat and ball made him one of the strongest candidates for a Test call-up.
Saransh Jain opens up on his idols ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
While speaking about his cricketing journey, Saransh also disclosed the names of the players he admired growing up and the person who has remained his biggest inspiration throughout his life. Saransh revealed that spin legends Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin are his idols while growing up.
Ahead of the Sri Lanka series, Saransh recalled a memorable interaction with former India spinner Harbhajan during a recent camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Instead of discussing technical changes, the legendary off-spinner focused on boosting his confidence with a simple piece of advice.
“I learnt a lot from Harbhajan during the recent COE camp. He told me not to change anything skill-wise as I have played a lot. But some of his lines motivated me a lot. He told me one on one that to gain something, you don’t have to lose anything, you just have to do something. That line is stuck in my mind, and I work harder,” Saransh said in an exclusive interview with Star Sports.
The all-rounder admitted that those words have stayed with him ever since. Rather than trying to reinvent himself ahead of the biggest opportunity of his career, he believes in trusting the process that brought him this far. The 33-year-old credited his father for introducing him to cricket and supporting him throughout his journey. He also acknowledged that watching Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin over the years helped him develop as an off-spinner.
“I started cricket because of my father. He is also an ex-Ranji player. I play cricket only for him, and he is my idol. When it comes to bowling, Harbhajan and Ashwin are my idols, and I have learnt a lot by looking at their bowling. I am not thinking about how it will be in Sri Lanka, but the focus is only on continuing the basics,” he added.
Golden opportunity awaits in Sri Lanka
Saransh now finds himself on the brink of realizing a lifelong ambition. His impressive performances in domestic cricket and for India A have earned him a place in Shubman Gill’s squad, and he could make his Test debut during the two-match series in Sri Lanka beginning in August.
With Washington Sundar sidelined through injury, Saransh’s inclusion gives India another experienced spin-bowling all-rounder capable of contributing in both departments. However, despite the growing excitement around his maiden call-up, he insists his approach will remain unchanged. Instead of worrying about conditions or expectations, Saransh is determined to stick to the basics that have served him well throughout his domestic career.
