Saransh Jain became the oldest to make his India Test debut in the 21st century, as he received his Blue Cap at the age of 33. He made his debut against Sri Lanka in the second Test against India in Colombo, which began on August 23.
The Madhya Pradesh off-spinner had to wait a little longer, as he played 54 first-class matches, taking 188 wickets at an average of 27.31 while also scoring 2,223 runs. His first-class career had begun back in the 2014-15 season.
He picked his maiden Test wicket on day 4, dismissing Lahiru Kumara for 12 before removing centurion Sonal Dinusha for 103 to finish with 2/69 in Sri Lanka's first innings. Sri Lanka made 290 runs, 213 runs behind India’s 503/9d.
However, Jain's maiden Test has been about more than just wickets for India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. He thinks the rookie has already demonstrated why years of hard work in domestic cricket led to a chance at the top level.
“For me, Saransh has toiled a lot in domestic cricket over the years. And he has got his fair due. And that opportunity to make a debut for India is special,” Bahutule said at the press conference after Day 4.
Bahutule admitted that anxieties were an inevitable part of the transition from domestic cricket to a Test debut, especially when Jain's early opportunities and choices went wrong.
“There are nerves. You are not going to be as at ease when you are playing your first Test match compared to when you are playing a domestic game. But he showed a lot of character in spite of certain decisions not going in his way and him not getting those wickets early in the first innings. But he was very consistent in his line and length,” he said.
He went on to give a thorough explanation of why India views Jain differently than some of their other spin possibilities. Bahutule further emphasized the significance of Jain's airborne trajectory and velocity.
“He is a peculiar bowler, a unique bowler in the sense that he doesn't have that overspin, which is again a work in progress behind the scenes. He possesses that side spin, which is good, which gives him that drift. His flat trajectory is very good. And he is also in a speed range between 80 and 85. And that makes him unique,” Bahutule added.
According to Bahutule, Jain’s traits give diversity rather than presenting India with an identical option.
“When we have two more spinners with Jaddu and Manav, he brings that variety. I think he put in a fabulous effort. Whatever role was given to him, he has played it to the best. And whenever he got that opportunity, he picked up wickets and got us back into the game,” he said.
At stumps on day 4, Sri Lanka was on 229/6 with a lead of 16 runs.
(PTI inputs)
