Photo: Harsh Dubey got a chance against the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav, returning with three wickets from five overs, conceding 47 runs in the first ODI against Afghanistan. Photo: Annie’s photo
Key points
- Harsh Dubey took 3/47 in five overs on his ODI debut, against Afghanistan in the first match.
- Young spinners like Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar and Zeeshan Ansari are set to get opportunities in the coming months across the three formats.
- India’s bowling coach Siraj Bahotuli singled out all-rounder Harsh Dubey for special praise.
Bowling coach Sairaj Bahotuli said India’s spin department is going through a transition phase and the team management is in the process of evaluating a pool of young bowlers who can graduate to a higher level.
With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring and Ravindra Jadeja getting rest to manage his workload, young spinners like Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar and Zeeshan Ansari are set to get opportunities in the coming months across the three formats.
In the first ODI against Afghanistan, left-arm spinner Dubey was given a chance against the more experienced off-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and returned with three wickets from five overs, conceding 47 runs.
“This is a transitional period for the spinners,” Bahotul said on Tuesday, the eve of India’s second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow.
“This group of spinners, the selectors, Gautam (Gambhir) and everyone, are taking a look at all the spinners. Those who have potential, those who have the right attributes, will definitely be given a chance.”
He added, “This is the process. During the transition period, you have to identify the right player. This is the process at the moment. I am sure we will include the right people.”
Bahotul, who joined as bowling coach ahead of the Afghanistan series, has been specially appointed to guide the group of raw bowlers. The former leg-spinner has extensive coaching experience in domestic, track and franchise cricket.
“For me, every spinner is unique. I think Jadeja is very experienced. The way he performs and the way he has contributed to Indian cricket is fantastic with the bat and the ball. I feel Harsh and other youngsters who come in and who get opportunities, will realize that this is a big shoe to fill,” he said.
“They have potential, they have potential, but I think the more they play, the more they settle in. Harsh is a player who definitely has that potential,” he said.
“Harsh Dubey is one for the future”
Bahotul singled out Dubey for special praise, emphasizing the bright future that lies ahead for the Vidarbha all-rounder.
“Harsh definitely has a good future as an all-rounder, he has done very well for Vidarbha and I think that is why we are giving him this opportunity.”
Dubey was the highest wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season with 69 wickets.
“With every game we learn. In the last game also he was under pressure after that first game, but the way he came back, I think Shubman (Gill) also used him very well, made the right changes at the right time, and gave him goals that suited him.”
The local strongman said such experiences would instill more confidence in Dube.
“I think it’s (Dobby) He is one player for the future, he has the skills, he has a good temperament and I think he has proven that not only in domestic cricket but I think one of the matches he played last time, he came back strong and performed very well.
He said: “The more experience he gets, he will certainly enhance his skill.”
