Harsh Dubey: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Harsh Dubey: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket
Harsh Dubey, a 22-year-old left-arm spinner from Vidarbha, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Indian domestic cricket. His selection for the India A squad for the England tour in May 2025 is a testament to his meteoric rise, fueled by a record-breaking performance in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. This article delves into the journey of this young all-rounder, whose dedication and skill have earned him a spot on the national radar.

A Journey Sparked by Chance

Born in July 2002 in Pune, Harsh Dubey’s entry into cricket was almost serendipitous. As a young boy, he wandered into a cricket academy in Nagpur looking for schoolbooks but was captivated by the sight of boys practicing on the field. This chance encounter at Ruby Sporting Club, under the guidance of coach Dilip Das, ignited a passion for cricket that would shape his future. What began as a curious visit transformed into a relentless pursuit of excellence, with Dubey honing his spin-bowling skills and developing into a capable all-rounder.

Record-Breaking Ranji Trophy Heroics

Dubey’s breakthrough came during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he etched his name into the record books. Representing Vidarbha, he claimed an astonishing 69 wickets, surpassing Ashutosh Aman’s previous record of 68 wickets in a single season. His bowling average of 16.52 and strike rate of 38.17 underscored his dominance as a left-arm spinner. Beyond his bowling, Dubey contributed 476 runs with the bat, including five fifties, making him the first player in Ranji Trophy history to achieve the double of 450+ runs and 50+ wickets in a single season. His all-round brilliance earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award and powered Vidarbha to their third Ranji Trophy title.

IPL Breakthrough with Sunrisers Hyderabad

Dubey’s domestic exploits did not go unnoticed. In May 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed him as a replacement for the injured R Smaran during the IPL 2025 season, securing his services for ₹30 lakh. Making his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium, Dubey showcased his potential by dismissing none other than Virat Kohli in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His ability to bowl tight lines and extract turn made an immediate impact, proving he could hold his own against the world’s best. Despite limited opportunities to interact with SRH head coach Daniel Vettori, Dubey expressed his eagerness to learn from the former New Zealand spinner before heading to England.

India A Call-Up: A Step Closer to the Dream

On May 16, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the India A squad for a tour of England, featuring two first-class matches against the England Lions in Canterbury (May 30) and Northampton (June 6), followed by a match against the senior Indian team in Beckenham (June 13). Dubey’s inclusion, alongside Vidarbha teammate Karun Nair, was a moment of immense pride for the young spinner. “It took some time to sink in,” Dubey told Sportstar. “It is a great feeling to be able to represent your country. My ultimate dream is to play for the senior Indian team, and I am inching closer to fulfilling that dream.”
The England tour presents a fresh challenge for Dubey, who is accustomed to bowling with the SG Test ball in India. In England, he will adapt to the Dukes ball, known for its pronounced seam and swing-friendly properties. Eager to prepare, Dubey plans to consult senior players and coaches to understand the conditions and refine his approach. His focus remains on performing consistently, a mindset that has defined his career thus far.

A Family’s Sacrifice and Support

Behind Dubey’s success lies the unwavering support of his parents, Surendra and Jyoti, who made significant sacrifices to nurture his cricketing dream. Quitting their stable jobs in Nagpur to provide him with the resources and time needed to pursue cricket, they laid the foundation for his journey. When news of his India A selection broke, his parents were overcome with emotion, their tears of joy reflecting the culmination of years of dedication. “With every ball Harsh delivers, he’s not just playing for himself—he’s playing to make sure his parents’ sacrifices were worth every moment,” noted a report by myKhel.

The Road Ahead

At 22, Harsh Dubey stands at the cusp of greatness. His record-breaking Ranji Trophy season, IPL debut, and India A call-up within a span of weeks highlight his rapid ascent. While he remains grounded, attributing his success to “God’s plan,” his ambition is clear: to don the Indian jersey in Test cricket. As he prepares for the England tour, Dubey carries the hopes of Vidarbha and a nation eager to see its next cricketing star shine.
With his disciplined approach, versatile skill set, and hunger for success, Harsh Dubey is not just a name to watch but a player poised to leave a lasting mark on Indian cricket. As he steps onto the international stage, the cricketing world awaits the next chapter in the remarkable story of this Nagpur-born all-rounder.