India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule backs Harsh Dubey as future star amid team’s transition phase

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The spin-bowling department of India is entering a new era as the team management continues its search for the next generation of match-winning spinners. With legendary names such as Ravichandran Ashwin retired and Ravindra Jadeja’s workload being carefully managed, opportunities are opening up for young talents to establish themselves at the highest level.

The ongoing Afghanistan series has provided India with an ideal platform to assess emerging spin options already making strong impressions in the one-off Test and in the first ODI. Ahead of the second ODI in Lucknow, the newly-appointed spin-bowling coach shared his thoughts on India’s transition phase and expressed confidence in the youngsters coming through the ranks.

Sairaj Bahutule reserved special praise for Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey, who made a promising start to his international career in the first ODI against Afghanistan. Despite coming under pressure early in his spell, the left-arm spinner bounced back impressively to claim three wickets and help India secure victory. The newly-appointed spin-bowling coach believes Dubey has the qualities needed to become a long-term asset for Indian cricket and highlighted the youngster’s all-round potential.

“This is a transition time for spinners. I feel Harsh and other youngsters who are coming in and have been given chances, will realise that they have big shoes to fill. They have the capabilities, they have the potential but I think the more they will play, the more they will settle down. Harsh is a player who definitely has that potential and can be a good all-rounder.”

Bahutule added that Dubey has already proven himself in domestic cricket and showed encouraging signs during his international debut. According to the former India leg-spinner, regular opportunities at the highest level will help the youngster develop further and refine his skills.

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He acknowledged that India are currently undergoing an important transition in the spin-bowling department following Ashwin’s retirement and Jadeja’s absence from the Afghanistan series. With Kuldeep Yadav being the only experienced specialist spinner in the squad, the team management is closely monitoring emerging talents such as Dubey, Manav Suthar, Shivang Kumar and Zeeshan Ansari.

The coach explained that the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are evaluating several young spinners to identify the players best equipped for long-term success in international cricket.

“This group of spinners, the selectors, Gautam and everybody, they are having a look at all the spinners. Those who have the potential, those who have the right attributes, they will definitely be given a chance.”

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