Subodh Jain, who endured a cancer treatment spanning more than ten years, watched his son Saransh Jain play his first Test match for India during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The elder Jain had previously spoken about his determination to survive long enough to see his son represent the country at the highest level.
Saransh Jain, a left‑handed batsman, had initially considered quitting cricket after struggling to find consistency in age‑group tournaments. He later rebuilt his career in domestic cricket, becoming a regular for his state side and earning praise for his technique and temperament. Former India coach Chandrakant Pandit, who identified Saransh’s potential during his time with the India A setup, continued to back the batsman even when selectors overlooked him.
The debut came after years of performing in first‑class and List A matches, where Saransh accumulated over 3,000 runs and several centuries. His selection for the Test squad was viewed by teammates and coaches as a reward for sustained domestic performance rather than a sudden breakthrough.
Analysis:
The story highlights how personal adversity and familial support can intersect with professional sport. Subodh Jain’s prolonged health battle served as a motivational backdrop for Saransh’s perseverance, while Chandrakant Pandit’s early faith illustrates the role of mentorship in nurturing talent that may not immediately catch the eye of national selectors. Saransh’s Test debut underscores the importance of domestic consistency as a pathway to international selection, especially for players who face early setbacks.
Sources
– Times of India, “‘I fought cancer to see my son play for India’: Saransh’s long road to Test cricket,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/i-fought-cancer-to-see-my-son-play-for-india-saransh-jains-long-road-to-test-cricket/articleshow/133434464.cms (accessed 2026).
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Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
