Who is Saransh Jain, the 33-year-old who finally earned an India Test call-up?

India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka features the inclusion of Saransh Jain, a seasoned domestic player making his test debut.

At 33 years old, Saransh is an experienced all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, known for his left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin bowling. He has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket since his debut in the 2014-2015 season, demonstrating reliable batting and effective bowling skills over a career spanning more than a decade.

Jain's domestic record is impressive, with over 2,200 runs in 54 first-class matches at an average above 31 and nearly 190 wickets at a bowling average just over 27. His balanced contributions with both bat and ball have made him a key player for Madhya Pradesh, which has been a strong team in India's domestic circuit, including a recent Ranji Trophy title.

His recent performances against the Sri Lanka A side further strengthened his case for national selection. Scoring an unbeaten 70 runs and taking seven wickets in the two matches showed his readiness to compete at a higher level, especially since many Sri Lanka A players have international experience.

With Washington Sundar unavailable for the first test, Jain's inclusion adds variety to India's bowling attack alongside left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. His all-round capabilities provide balance and strategic options, making him a valuable asset as Team India looks to maintain its competitive edge.