Two days before the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka, Saransh Jain devoted substantial time in the nets at Colombo on August 21, 2026, refining his off‑spin deliveries in a session that attracted sharp interest. Kuldeep Yadav, who featured in the playing eleven at Galle, was not present at the ground during the practice.
Footage from the session, posted on Instagram, captured Jain in detailed discussion with spin‑bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The 33‑year‑old Indore‑born cricketer represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic red‑ball cricket and earned his maiden Test nod for this two‑match series in Sri Lanka, marking his first international selection.
Jain made his First‑Class debut for Madhya Pradesh in December 2014 and has since appeared in 54 First‑Class matches, taking 188 wickets at an average of 27.3. With the bat he has amassed 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75, including two centuries and fourteen fifties. As a right‑arm off‑spinner, Jain turns the ball away from left‑handed batsmen toward right‑handed ones—a direction opposite to Jadeja and Manav Suthar. His father, Subodh Jain, was a right‑arm off‑break bowler who played nine Ranji Trophy matches for Madhya Pradesh without securing an international call‑up.
Kuldeep had a tough performance in the Galle Test, posting figures of 25‑0‑103‑1 across both innings on a paceless pitch that aided spinners. By comparison, Suthar claimed ten wickets and emerged as the standout performer as India won by 165 runs, giving them a 1‑0 series lead. Devdutt Padikkal added 167 runs in the first innings.
The reason for Kuldeep’s absence from the August 21 net session has not been officially clarified. No statement from team management or medical staff has been released to explain whether the omission was due to rest, a strategic decision, or another cause.
Several former cricketers, including Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Prasad, have advocated for Kuldeep to feature in the second Test, reflecting growing optimism about his return to international duty.