Snubbed for New Zealand tour, Saransh Jain grabs career-best 7/40 in Ranji Trophy

Snubbed for New Zealand, Jain delivers a statement with the ball

NEW DELHI: Saransh Jain has made the most of his return to domestic cricket after missing out on India's squad for the Test series against New Zealand. The Madhya Pradesh spinner picked up seven wickets to bowl Bihar out for just 99 in their Ranji Trophy match on Monday.

Jain finished with figures of 7/40, his best bowling performance in a first-class innings. His effort left Bihar's batting line-up struggling and put Madhya Pradesh in a strong position.

Bihar batters collapse against Jain's spin

The 33-year-old took seven wickets in 13 overs, conceding 40 runs and bowling one maiden. Bihar were all out for 99 in just 30.3 overs.

Jain began by dismissing Ayush Loharuka, captain Sakibul Gani and Akash Raj. He continued to trouble the batters, removing Raghuvendra Pratap Singh, Aditya Raj, Suraj Kashyap and Himanshu Singh to complete his seven-wicket haul.

India debut, but left out of New Zealand squad

Jain earned his first India cap at the age of 33 when he played in the second Test against Sri Lanka earlier this year. He became India's oldest Test debutant since Robin Singh in 1998. RJD Jamshedji remains India's oldest Test debutant, having made his debut at 41 years and 27 days.

Jain played in the second Test (from August 23 to 27) and took three wickets. That remains his only appearance for India so far.

Jain has represented Madhya Pradesh in 59 first-class matches. He has scored 2,312 runs and taken 195 wickets at an average of 28.23.

Context: Test stars back in domestic ranks

Jain's return to domestic cricket comes against the backdrop of a BCCI directive, reported on September 30, instructing India's Test hopefuls — including captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul — to turn out for their state sides in the Ranji Trophy ahead of the New Zealand series. The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opening round, reported on October 14, saw Ravindra Jadeja hit a century and take three wickets for Saurashtra, while KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Sarfaraz Khan struggled with the bat.