New Delhi: India’s spin department is in a phase of transition, and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule believes young all-rounder Harsh Dubey has the skills and temperament to become an important player for the future.
Dubey was preferred ahead of the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav in the first ODI against Afghanistan and impressed with figures of 3/47 from five overs.
Speaking ahead of the second ODI, Bahutule said the team management is evaluating a pool of young spinners following the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin and workload management for Ravindra Jadeja.
“This is a transition time for spinners,” Bahutule said.
“This group of spinners, the selectors, Gautam (Gambhir) and everybody, they are having a look at all the spinners. Those who have the potential and the right attributes will definitely be given a chance.
“That is what the process is. In a transition, you have to identify the right bowler. That is what the process is at the moment. I am sure we will get the right people on board.”
Bahutule, who recently joined as India’s spin-bowling coach, said youngsters such as Dubey, Manav Suthar, Shivang Kumar and Zeeshan Ansari would get opportunities in the coming months.
Praising Dubey, he said the Vidarbha all-rounder has already shown his quality in domestic cricket and is capable of succeeding at the international level as well.
“Harsh definitely has a good future as an all-rounder. He has done exceedingly well for Vidarbha and that is the reason why he has been given this opportunity,” Bahutule said.
Dubey was the highest wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season with 69 wickets.
Bahutule also highlighted how Dubey bounced back after an expensive opening over against Afghanistan.
“With each game we learn. Last game also he was under pressure after that first over 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 the ends which suited him.”
“I think he is one player for the future. He has got the skills, he has got a good temperament and he has proved it not only in domestic cricket but also in the game he played recently.
“The more experience he gets, he will definitely enhance his skill,” he added.
