New Delhi: Subodh Jain, father of Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain, turned emotional after watching his son represent India in a Test match. He said he had been battling cancer for years, holding on to life with one hope—seeing his son play for the national team.
The second Test between India and Sri Lanka began on Saturday, with Saransh included in the playing XI. Speaking after watching the match on television, Subodh said the moment brought him immense joy and felt like “a new life” for him.
He recalled that in 2014, when Saransh was touring Australia with an Indore club, doctors diagnosed him with mouth cancer. After surgery, he was unable to speak, and his wife and elder son initially told Saransh that he was busy.
When Saransh returned and saw his condition, Subodh said his son was devastated and even spoke about quitting cricket. Unable to talk, Subodh asked for paper and pen and wrote that if Saransh performed well in cricket, he would recover sooner.
Subodh also said he had coached Saransh and taught him off-spin. He noted that Saransh did not get consistent opportunities early on, playing only eight Ranji matches between 2014 and 2019 and taking 11 wickets, before later receiving guidance that helped him become a regular for Madhya Pradesh and contribute to their Ranji Trophy title.
