Saransh Jain's maiden India Test call-up at the age of 33 is the culmination of a journey shaped by perseverance, family support and a handwritten note from his father that became a source of strength during one of the toughest phases of their lives.The selectors announced the India squad on Tuesday while Saransh was offering prayers at a Hanuman temple in Indore, a weekly routine whenever he is in the city. He missed the first phone call informing him of his selection."He was inside the temple and missed the first call. When he came out, he learnt about his selection," his father, Subodh Jain, said.Also Read: India announces Test squad for Sri Lanka series, Shubman Gill named captainFor Subodh, a former Madhya Pradesh off-spinner and Saransh's first coach, the moment also fulfilled a dream that he could not achieve himself."I am overwhelmed. I played Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh but, like many others, I couldn't fulfil my dream. Today, my son has fulfilled it."The father-son journey took a defining turn in 2014 when Saransh, then 21, was touring Australia with an Indore club side. Whenever he called home, his family told him that his father was "busy" and could not speak. Only after returning did Saransh learn that Subodh had been diagnosed with oral cancer.Also Read: "He told me that lifestyle": Sanju Samson speaks on receiving advice from Virat Kohli"My mouth was badly swollen after surgery and I couldn't speak. The moment Saransh saw me, he broke down," Subodh recalled.Unable to speak, he reached for a pen and wrote a message that stayed with his son."I picked up a pen and wrote on a piece of paper: 'Beta, tu jitna accha karega, main utni jaldi theek ho jaaunga' (Son, the better you perform, the quicker I will recover)."Subodh, who claimed 23 wickets in nine Ranji Trophy matches, said he recognised Saransh's potential from a young age."I realised it when he was playing Under-12 cricket. Saransh and Rajat Patidar have played together since they were 11. People who watched him then told me he had something special. Of course, I am his coach, but I am also his father."He also reflected on his own playing career and how opportunities were limited."In my time, Uttar Pradesh's Gopal Sharma was the premier off-spinner from Central Zone. He was preferred and went on to play Tests for India," Subodh recalled.He passed on his knowledge of off-spin to his son, who has continued to refine his game over the years."He now watches Ravichandran Ashwin's videos and keeps learning, but when he started, I was his idol.""I have coached many Ranji Trophy players, including my son. They all had one quality -- they spoke less and worked more."Saransh's rise was not straightforward. Despite taking a five-wicket haul on his Ranji Trophy debut against Tamil Nadu, he soon lost his place in the side. Subodh credited former Madhya Pradesh coach Chandrakant Pandit for backing his son at a crucial stage."It was Chandrakant Pandit who saw something special in him. Everyone knows Chandu Pandit ji has an exceptional eye for talent."Saransh rebuilt his career through consistent domestic performances. He played a key role in Madhya Pradesh's Ranji Trophy-winning campaign with both bat and ball, claimed 16 wickets in two Duleep Trophy matches, and followed it up with four wickets and a fighting 39 for Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Vidarbha.An impressive India A tour of Sri Lanka and his inclusion in the BCCI's targeted players' programme eventually paved the way for his first senior India call-up.Now retired from his bank job, Subodh continues to watch Madhya Pradesh's home matches whenever his health permits."I usually go after lunch. My health doesn't permit me to sit through an entire day's play."Even after Saransh reached the national team, his father's advice remained unchanged."My only advice is, 'Beta, bindaas khelna agar chance mile. Koi pressure mat lena' (Son, play fearlessly if you get your chance. Don't take any pressure)."(With inputs from PTI)