'I fought cancer to see my son play for India': Saransh's long road to Test cricket

Subodh Jain, a former Madhya Pradesh cricketer battling oral cancer since 2014, witnessed a moment he describes as “surreal” when his son Saransh Jain was awarded a Test cap by Ravindra Jadeja at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The emotional scene unfolded as Saransh, who has spent years striving for recognition in Indian cricket, finally received the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level. Subodh, who still struggles with speech due to his illness, expressed deep gratitude for the achievement, calling it a “new lease of life.” His words were captured in a heartfelt message written on a piece of paper: “Beta, tu jitna accha karega, main utni jaldi theek ho jaaunga,” which translates to “If you perform better, I will recover sooner.” The journey to this moment was anything but easy. Saransh’s path to international cricket was marked by personal challenges, including a period when he considered quitting the sport to support his father. The turning point came in 2014, when Subodh was diagnosed with oral cancer while Saransh was playing for an Indore club in Australia. Upon returning home, Saransh was deeply affected by his father’s condition and even contemplated leaving cricket behind. However, instead of discouraging him, Subodh encouraged his son to continue pursuing his passion, offering him both emotional and practical support. This bond between father and son became a driving force in Saransh’s career. From 2014 to 2019, Saransh struggled to secure regular opportunities in domestic cricket. Despite collecting 11 wickets in eight Ranji Trophy matches, he remained on the periphery of the team. It wasn’t until the arrival of coach Chandrakant Pandit that things began to change. Pandit, who had previously trained Subodh, took charge of Saransh’s development, providing the guidance and confidence needed to elevate his game. Under Pandit’s mentorship, Saransh became a regular for Madhya Pradesh, eventually helping the team win the Ranji Trophy in 2021–22. His performances earned him the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in the 2022–23 season. In the following seasons, Saransh continued to deliver impressive figures. In 2023–24, he scored 432 runs and claimed 27 wickets. By the 2025–26 season, his contributions had grown even more significant, with 518 runs at an average of 57.55 and 30 wickets at 20.43. These numbers reflected not only his technical prowess but also his mental resilience, especially considering the pressures of family and health that accompanied his rise. His performance in the Duleep Trophy for the Central Zone further solidified his reputation as a reliable all-rounder capable of performing under pressure. Saransh’s selection for the Test squad marks a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and familial support. As he prepares to step onto the international stage, the legacy of his father’s sacrifices and the guidance of coaches like Chandrakant Pandit will undoubtedly shape his future. With the weight of expectation and the hope of continuing his father’s fight, Saransh stands ready to make his mark on the world of cricket.