IPL 2026: 'I wanted RR to pick him' - Ashwin sings high praise of SRH bowler Harsh Dubey

Published - 14 Apr 2026, 15:59 IST | Updated - 14 Apr 2026, 16:50 IST

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken highly of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) spinner Harsh Dubey, following some good performances at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ashwin has revealed that during his three-year spell with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), he once brought Dubey as a net bowler and wanted the 2008 champions to sign him. However, that did not come to fruition. The 23-year-old instead joined SRH as an injury replacement in 2025 before being retained in the squad for the 2026 season.

"I took him to RR as a net bowler for two years. Maybe I wanted RR to pick him, but it did not happen. But I am very happy for Harsh,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin appreciated the way Dubey has been bowling in the ongoing IPL season. The former all-rounder has also made a huge claim on his batting prowess and wants him to work on his other skills to contribute more to the cause.

"Harsh Dubey deserves a lot of praise. He also has the ability to bat and has a good bat swing. He will just have to work a little on it. But the way he has been bowling, it is almost like a pro. He goes full and uses the yorker at the right time, pulls the length, and adjusts the field. Donovan Ferreira hit a pull in this match. After that, he signaled something to Ishan and adjusted the field and his length. The next ball turned after pitching. This is pro-level bowling, and the kind of skill he has, I think, it's only going to go up,” he added.

Dubey has made a great start to the 2026 IPL season. The left-arm spinner has so far taken five wickets for the 2016 champions in as many games at an economy rate of 8.66. His best game came in a losing cause against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he took two wickets whilst conceding just 18 runs.

SRH secured a convincing 57-run victory over the RR at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday, April 13, and currently find themselves fourth in the standings.