Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi finally received their India call-ups after years of performance in domestic cricket. Both players spoke about the moment in a candid BCCI interview. While Aquib Nabi's chance came after a prolific Ranji Trophy season with Jammu & Kashmir, Saransh Jain's consistent performances for Madhya Pradesh earned him his long-awaited chance in the Test setup. The video published by BCCI is four minutes long with both players sitting next to each other and describing the moment. Aquib Nabi was asked about his call-up moment for which he said that he was expecting it and his family was very happy. While Jain spoke about the differences between Ranji Trophy and international cricket and also said that his patience was rewarded.
“Yes, I had expectations. But as a cricketer, you have to have the mindset that your job is to perform. The rest of the people will watch you. I did think I would get a call-up. Today or tomorrow, I will join the Indian team because you have been doing well for so many years, you have to reap the fruits of your hard work. I had the same mindset when I bowled, my job is to take wickets and the rest is up to God," he said while speaking to Saransh Jain in the BCCI video.
“I feel good whenever I get a call-up. My family is happy; I cannot ask for more," Nabi added. This is the right arm pacer’s first call-up to the India senior team. If he makes his Test debut, he will become the first Test player from Jammu and Kashmir. Nabi was part of the India A team that toured Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets in two first-class games.
Saransh Jain’s decade-long wait rewarded with India call-up
Saransh Jain has been around the domestic circuit for over a decade with Madhya Pradesh having made his Ranji Trophy debut back in 2013/14. He had a good India A tour in Sri Lanka recently. The off-spinner got a call up after Washington Sundar was injured and ruled. In the video released by BCCI, Nabi casually asks, “Saransh bhai, how are you?” to which the off-spinner expressed his happiness on joining the side. He said that his patience was rewarded after working hard in the domestic circuit for more than a decade. Jain also added that his father, who was a former cricketer himself, said that opportunities will come if you put in the work.
The 33-year-old allrounder from Madhya Pradesh bowls off-spin and bats left-handed. In 54 first-class games, he has scored 2223 runs at an average of 31.75 and taken 188 wickets at 27.30. He has also featured in 67 List A and T20 matches but red-ball cricket is his strongest suit. While pacer Auqib Nabi made his way to the Indian team in strong form, having taken 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons including 60 in the 2025-26 campaign. India will play their first Test against Sri Lanka on 15th August.
