Saransh Jain's Father Fought Cancer To See Son Play For India, Meet The Test Debutant's Family, Wife

Saransh Jain finally earned his India Test cap after years in domestic cricket. The 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo, becoming India's oldest Test debutant in the 21st century. 

Jain became India's 320th men's Test player and, at 33 years and 145 days, broke a 26-year-old record to become the country's oldest Test debutant of the century. He also became only the fifth player from Indore to represent India in Test cricket, following Narendra Hirwani, Rajesh Chauhan, Naman Ojha and Rajat Patidar.

But this milestone holds much more significance than one might realise. Jain’s Test debut is the culmination of years of domestic toil, family sacrifice and an emotional promise made by his cancer-survivor father, Subodh Jain. 

Saransh Jain's father battled cancer while his son played cricket

Subodh Jain is a former Madhya Pradesh cricketer and the man who became his son’s first coach. In 2014, Subodh was diagnosed with oral cancer, and it was a time when Saransh was still trying to make his mark in domestic cricket.

Saransh was touring Australia with an Indore club side when his father’s cancer diagnosis emerged. His family decided not to tell him about Subodh’s illness during the tour. His mother and elder brother reportedly kept the diagnosis and surgery from him so he could remain focused on cricket.

When Saransh returned home and saw his father after surgery, he was devastated. Subodh's mouth was badly swollen, and he was unable to speak. Saransh reportedly considered giving up cricket to look after his father. But Subodh wasn’t on board with the idea. Instead, he asked for a pen and paper and wrote a message that would stay with his son for years. He wrote:

“Beta, tu jitna accha karega, main utni jaldi theek ho jaaunga.”

Saransh continued to play, determined to make his father’s dream come true. After years of perfecting his game, Saransh made his Test Cricket debut and his gameplay made him an overnight sensation. Now, Subodh still struggles to speak, but he is the proudest father.

Subodh's own cricket career never reached the international level. But decades later, his son gave him the moment he had once dreamed of experiencing himself. Reflecting on Saransh's India call-up, Subodh said he had fought cancer, hoping to see his son reach the highest level. Speaking to the Times of India from Indore, the veteran cricketer said:

"I fought cancer to see my son play for India. Now he has given me a new lease of life, and I want to keep fighting and see him reach greater heights."

Meet Saransh Jain's family

Saransh's mother, Sangeeta Jain, played an important role in supporting his early cricket training. The family even set up rooftop practice arrangements in Indore, allowing him to work on his game at home. His elder brother Soourabh Jain was also interested in cricket, but after that he moved away from his own ambitions and supported Saransh's career.

Saransh's father, Subodh Jain, initially played as an off-spinner for Madhya Pradesh and later became a coach. He introduced Saransh to the game and helped develop his bowling skills. Saransh became a regular in Madhya Pradesh cricket, but his journey to Team India was not smooth. He took five wickets in his Ranji Trophy debut, but he did not get to play regularly in the early part of his career. Saransh was consistent and a key player under coach Chandrakant Pandit in Madhya Pradesh’s historic Ranji Trophy win in 2022.

Apart from the sacrifices of his parents and brother, it is the wife of Saransh Jain who has played an essential part in his journey. He married his wife, Harshita Jain, in 2022 and has affectionately referred to her as his “lady luck”. He has said in interviews that his career began to change significantly around the time of their marriage. The very next day after their wedding, he reportedly left to play an important Ranji Trophy match.

Saransh scalped 30 wickets and amassed 518 runs at an average of 57.55 in the Ranji Trophy in the 2025-26 domestic season. He then starred for Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy, taking 16 wickets in two matches and earning Player of the Series honours. Before his national selection, Saransh made an unbeaten 70 and a six-wicket haul.

Now, after years of waiting, his dream moment has finally arrived. For Saransh and his family, this milestone is a collective win!

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