India, Aug. 26 -- At 33, in his first Test match, he went wicketless for the first 18 overs of the innings. Not just that, he hadn't bowled anywhere close to his potential. But, in the cut-throat world of Indian cricket, chances are precious. After all, Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav could take his place if they were fit and available.

So, ahead of the start of play, Saransh Jain cannot be faulted if he wondered whether he would get another Test match or end up adding to the ignominious list of India's one-Test wonders. Just the other day, leg-spinner Karn Sharma retired-he was handed his debut with much expectation by new captain Virat Kohli in 2014, but never played another Test.

But there's one upside to being a late entrant to i...