Cricket

Saransh Jain's battle with cancer to witness his son represent India in Test cricket.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 23, 2026, 10:51 IST

Cricket News: NEW DELHI: Diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2014, Subodh Jain struggles to speak clearly, yet his emotions are evident.

Saransh Jain's battle with cancer to witness his son represent India in Test cricket.

NEW DELHI: Subodh Jain, a former cricketer from Madhya Pradesh, is grappling with the aftermath of a mouth cancer diagnosis he received in 2014. Despite his ongoing health struggles, he experienced a profound moment of joy as his son, Saransh Jain, received his Test cap from Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. "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," Subodh shared from Indore, expressing a mix of emotions that left him feeling both numb and elated.

Subodh had a premonition that Saransh would finally get his chance in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Out of superstition, he refrained from discussing cricket with his son, saying, "For the first time, I didn’t ask him about his cricket." Instead, he communicated his hopes through a note, writing, "Beta, tu jitna accha karega, main utni jaldi theek ho jaaunga" (If you perform better, I will recover sooner). Their conversations focused on lighter topics like food and local sights, reflecting the dual roles of coach and father that Subodh has embraced throughout Saransh's cricketing journey.

Overcoming Adversity

Reflecting on the challenges they faced, Subodh recounted a pivotal moment in 2014 when Saransh, then touring Australia with a local club, learned of his father's diagnosis. "When he returned and saw me, he was devastated," Subodh recalled, noting that Saransh even considered quitting cricket to care for him. However, Subodh encouraged him to continue pursuing his passion, which ultimately led to Saransh's growth as a cricketer.

Between 2014 and 2019, Saransh struggled to find his footing in the Ranji Trophy, playing only eight matches and taking 11 wickets. It was not until the arrival of coach Chandrakant Pandit that Saransh began to flourish, eventually helping Madhya Pradesh secure the Ranji Trophy title in the 2021-22 season. His impressive performances continued, earning him accolades such as the Lala Amarnath Award for best all-rounder in the 2022-23 season.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Saransh's career progressed, he became a regular in the India A setup, showcasing his skills in domestic cricket. His hard work culminated in a significant moment earlier this year when he met former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh during a spin-bowling camp. Harbhajan's words resonated deeply with Saransh, inspiring him to push forward in his career. "To achieve something, you don't have to lose something, you have to do something," Saransh quoted, emphasizing the importance of dedication.

With a promising future ahead, Saransh Jain is now on the cusp of realizing the dreams that both he and his father have nurtured. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Indian team, the journey of perseverance and resilience continues for both father and son, marking a significant milestone in their shared cricketing legacy.

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