India’s build-up for the upcoming one-off Test versus Afghanistan has drawn plenty of attention, not least because a few rising domestic performers are being handed a chance to stake their claim at the highest level. The absence of senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the match in New Chandigarh has shifted the focus towards India’s next wave of spin options, with Harsh Dubey emerging as one of the most talked-about names.
Quick facts
- India will play a one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.
- Ravindra Jadeja is unavailable for the match.
- Harsh Dubey is in contention for an international debut.
- Ravichandran Ashwin expects Kuldeep Yadav to lead the spin attack.
- Washington Sundar is likely to support the spin group.
- Ashwin said he is especially eager to see Dubey, while noting the selection could swing between Dubey and Manav Suthar.
- Dubey’s IPL 2026 record for Sunrisers Hyderabad: 8 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 28.50.
- Dubey’s first-class record: 133 wickets in 27 matches at 23.26, including 9 five-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket match hauls; batting returns: 1,027 runs at 25.65 with 9 fifties.
- Manav Suthar’s first-class record: 129 wickets in 29 matches at 25.76, including 6 five-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket match hauls; batting returns: 945 runs with 1 century and 6 fifties; IPL 2026 for Gujarat Titans: 2 wickets in 4 appearances.
- Saba Karim said Mohammed Siraj must shoulder more responsibility with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.
- Karim pointed to Siraj’s England tour success and the support of Gurnoor Brar, described as a 6 ft 4 in fast bowler.
- Siraj’s recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy outing: 23 wickets at 32.43, with two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/70.
- Gurnoor Brar’s first-class record: 52 wickets in 18 matches at 27.30, with best figures of 5/14.
Among the spinners in the conversation, Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey has been gaining momentum through domestic cricket and his IPL performances. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made it clear that Dubey is the player he most wants to watch during the contest, given how his progress has caught the eye.
Aspin role for Kuldeep, Sundar as back-up
On JioStar, Ashwin outlined how India’s spin unit could look in Jadeja’s absence. He believes Kuldeep Yadav will take charge of the spin attack, describing the left-arm wrist-spinner’s rhythm and confidence as standout features. Ashwin added that Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball both ways and his familiarity with Indian conditions could be decisive against Afghanistan.
Ashwin also flagged Washington Sundar as the supporting option in the bowling group. In his view, Sundar’s role is more about control and containment—bowling to restrict rather than only chase wickets—while still offering value with the bat lower down the order. Ashwin said Sundar’s accuracy and capacity to bowl long spells could matter on a track that wears down as the match progresses.
He summed up the combination by suggesting that both Kuldeep and Sundar will be central to India’s chances in the Test, especially with key experience missing from the lineup.
While Ashwin mapped out the likely spin structure, he held back from making Dubey any less of a focal point. The veteran spinner said he has been particularly intrigued by Dubey’s climb through the domestic ranks, noting that former cricketers have taken notice of his rise.
Dubey vs Suthar: Ashwin’s focus remains on Harsh Dubey
Ashwin acknowledged that the team management may decide between Dubey and Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar. Even so, he said his attention will remain on Harsh Dubey, especially because Dubey’s domestic season has been strong and his IPL campaign has reinforced that form. Ashwin stressed that the final call will determine whether Dubey gets the opportunity, but reiterated his excitement about seeing him make the step up.
Dubey’s case is built on numbers from IPL 2026 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he took eight wickets in eight matches, finishing with an average of 28.50. His first-class record is also substantial: in 27 games he has claimed 133 wickets at 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two instances of taking ten wickets in a match. With the bat, Dubey has added depth, scoring 1,027 runs at 25.65 and landing nine half-centuries.
Suthar, meanwhile, has similarly strong credentials. The Rajasthan all-rounder has taken 129 wickets across 29 first-class fixtures, holding an average of 25.76. His haul includes six five-wicket performances and three occasions of ten-wicket match returns. With the bat, he has scored 945 runs, with one century and six fifties. During IPL 2026, Suthar represented Gujarat Titans and managed two wickets from four appearances.
As the discussion shifted from spin to pace, former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim weighed in on what India may need from its fast-bowling unit. Karim said Mohammed Siraj will have to take on greater responsibility with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, pointing to Siraj’s successful England tour as proof that he can lead from the front.
Karim described Siraj as a bowler with pace, aggression, and the ability to swing the ball both ways. However, he also stressed that Siraj will require support from the other end. Karim noted that Gurnoor Brar could provide that backing, calling him a young, tall, right-arm pacer standing 6 feet 4 inches, with height that can translate into extra bounce on Indian surfaces.
Karim added that this could be the right moment for Siraj not only to guide but also to energise the young fast bowlers coming through the system.
Siraj heads into the Afghanistan Test after a standout run in last year’s Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. He finished as India’s leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/70. Alongside him, the spotlight may also fall on the uncapped Gurnoor Brar, whose height and bounce have earned praise.
Brar’s first-class record backs that reputation: he has taken 52 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 27.30, with best figures of 5/14. With several promising youngsters in the set-up and key senior names missing, the one-off Test against Afghanistan is shaping up as a meaningful look at India’s next generation—especially with Harsh Dubey at the centre of the interest.
