Madhya Pradesh allrounder Saransh Jain has earned a maiden call-up to the India squad for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka in August. While pacer Jasprit Bumrah has also returned to the side, his and Sai Sudharsan's availability is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has recovered from tennis elbow and is part of the squad. However, Washington Sundar was unavailable for selection for the first Test with a hamstring injury he sustained during the ODIs against England.
Washington Sundar's injury opened the door for Madhya Pradesh's Saransh Jain. It is understood that the presence of several left-hand batters in the Sri Lanka side prompted the selectors to consider him.
Sai Sudharsan was also part of the Sri Lanka A has been selected subject to fitness. If he fails to get the fitness clearance, Devdutt Padikkal could slot in at No. 3. In the fast-bowling department, apart from Bumrah, India have picked Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and uncapped Gurnoor Brar.
Also Read | Jasprit Bumrah faces fitness test, Washington Sundar ruled out of first Sri Lanka Test: Reports
Manav Suthar, who had picked up seven wickets against Afghanistan on his Test debut, retained his place but with Jadeja returning, there was no room for Harsh Dubey.
Who is Saransh Jain? Everything you need to know about Madhya Pradesh's star all-rounder
Saransh Jain is a 33-year-old allrounder from Madhya Pradesh who bowls off-spin and bats left-handed. He is the son of former first-class cricketer Subodh Jain and has steadily built a reputation as one of the most dependable players in domestic cricket over the past few seasons. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2014 and emerged into the spotlight in 2022. Having featured in just eight first-class matches until then, the all-rounder played a pivotal role in Madhya Pradesh's knockout campaign, claiming 13 wickets and scoring a crucial half-century as the team lifted its maiden Ranji Trophy title.
His 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign proved to be the finest of his career. Saransh amassed 518 runs at an impressive average of 57.55 while also picking up 30 wickets at 20.43. Before that, he had enjoyed an outstanding Duleep Trophy season for Central Zone, where he struck two half-centuries and claimed 16 wickets in just two matches to earn the Player of the Series award. Last month, he was also part of India's net bowling group ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.
Saransh Jain has earned his maiden Test call-up 👏 Take a look at the new off-spinner, who set the stage on fire with his stunning 5/49 in the Duleep Trophy final. 👌 pic.twitter.com/VIlTxFDhAy
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) July 28, 2026
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. He was impressive during the recent India A tour to Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 70 and picked up six wickets in the second four-day game.
