IND Vs SL 2nd Test: Saransh Jain Breaks 28-Year Record With India Test Debut In Colombo

Saransh Jain created a notable record after making his India Test debut at the age of 33 in the IND vs SL 2nd Test in Colombo on Sunday. Jain became India’s oldest Test debutant in 28 years, with Robin Singh being the previous oldest player to make his Test debut for India at a similar age in 1998.

The 33-year-old was handed his maiden Test cap in the team huddle before the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, replacing Kuldeep Yadav, who was unavailable due to an ongoing recovery from a viral illness.

Jain, India’s 320th men’s Test player, also became the first off-spinner to make his Test debut for India since Washington Sundar in January 2021. He played a key role in Madhya Pradesh's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 2022. Last season, Saransh scored 518 runs at 57.55 and claimed 30 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches. He was also named Player of the Series in the Duleep Trophy after scoring two fifties and taking 16 wickets in just two games.

His final push came during India A's tour of Sri Lanka. Jain remained unbeaten on 70 and claimed six wickets in the second unofficial Test in Galle. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to start with Jain likely to compete with Manav Suthar for the remaining spot. Despite his domestic success, Jain has never been picked in the IPL. He went unsold in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 auctions.