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Sports

‘I think very highly of him’: R Ashwin backs Saransh Jaina after maiden call-up for Sri Lanka series

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 30 Jul 2026 30 Jul 2026

New Delhi: Former India spinner R Ashwin believes maiden India Test call-up for the upcoming Sri Lanka series is a well-deserved one for the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder. A consistent performer in the Indian domestic circuit, Jain has been selected in India’s squad as a replacement for injured Washington Sundar, who is not available for the first Test of the two-match series.

The 33-year-old was rewarded with his maiden India call-up on Tuesday after the BCCI announced squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka. He has been rewarded for years of toil in the domestic circuit and his impressive performances of late.

While he has been a mainstay for Madhya Pradesh in red-ball cricket, Jain was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka for two unofficial Tests earlier this year. Ashwin believes Jain possesses all the qualities required to be a successful Test cricketer and said he rates him very highly.

“I am very happy for him. I have seen him. I think very highly of him. He bowls wide off the crease. He attacks. He is a different type of off-spinner. His job is to take wickets. He has done a very commendable job,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.

However, the former India spinner acknowledged that Jain might not get a chance to make his debut immediately even after earning his spot in the squad. With the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar in the side, Jain is likely to be at the bottom of the pecking order.

“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 because he has it in him to perform,” Ashwin added.

But Jain will have an edge over the others, having been part of India’s A tour of Sri Lanka, where he featured in both Tests. He picked up six wickets across the two matches and scored an unbeaten 70 in the second Test. He is familiar with the conditions India will be playing in their upcoming series in Sri Lanka and will hope to get a chance.

Saransh Jain’s domestic career

Jain has a strong record in domestic cricket and has been one of the most consistent all-rounders in red-ball cricket over the last few years. The 33-year-old made his senior debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2014-15 season. He has since played 54 matches in his first-class career and has 188 wickets to his name.

He has also scored over 2000 runs at an average of over 31. He was the Player of the Tournament in the Duleep Trophy last year after finishing with 16 wickets for Central Zone. He also enjoyed a strong campaign in the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh last season.

He scored 518 runs and picked up 20 wickets in 7 matches for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 to finish as the second-highest run-getter and the second-highest wicket-taker for his team in the tournament.

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