Harsh Dubey's IPL Debut & India A Selection

Taaza Wire Sports Desk | Updated: May 19, 2025

In a campaign of surprises and breakthroughs, Harsh Dubey is living his cricketing fantasy — and it’s only improving.

The 22-year-old left-arm Vidarbha spinner took the express route to the limelight. Barely days after receiving a shock India A call-up for the trip to England, Harsh debuted for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Lucknow Super Giants on May 19 in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a huge jump in his burgeoning career.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the call-up. I didn’t believe it at first,” Harsh told Sportstar in a candid conversation. “It took time to sink in.”

From Ranji Stardom to National Recognition

Dubey’s meteoric ascension can be traced back to a thrilling 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, during which he broke records by taking 69 wickets — the highest number of wickets taken in a single Ranji season, surpassing Ashutosh Aman’s 2018–19 total of 68. His control, consistency, and calm demeanor made selectors turn a blind eye no more.

This red-ball excellence has now got him selected into the India A team, which will play the England Lions in Canterbury and Northampton and a glamour game against the senior Indian Test squad in Beckenham.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to represent your country again. I last played for the India U-19s in 2019. This is a new chapter,” Harsh said.

IPL Debut and First Wicket: A Dream Realised

Dubey’s IPL career did not go smoothly. He remained unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but destiny was different. SunRisers Hyderabad picked him as a replacement for Karnataka opener R. Smaran who suffered an injury last month. With SRH being out of playoff race, the team gave him a much-awaited debut in Lucknow.

***Harsh Dubey celebrates his first IPL wicket for SunRisers Hyderabad***

And Harsh ensured to make it worthwhile — claiming his first IPL wicket in the game by getting out LSG’s middle-order batter. It was a moment of pride, not only for him but for all of us who’ve tracked his domestic path.

Although he did not bowl a full quota, his neat spell and important breakthrough indicated the promise he takes into the years ahead.

Preparing for English Challenges

Dubey’s inclusion in the India A side is not just a reward for domestic brilliance — it’s a test of adaptability. Used to bowling with the SG red ball at home, he’s now preparing to bowl with the Dukes ball on England’s swinging pitches.

“I’ve never played with the Dukes ball before, but I’ve practised with the Kookaburra. I’ll try to learn from players who’ve experienced those conditions before,” Dubey remarked.

The Dukes ball, known for its pronounced seam and durability, could actually play to his strengths, offering grip and bounce — especially helpful for spinners on dry pitches.

The Vettori Factor

Harsh also hopes to tap into the wisdom of SRH head coach Daniel Vettori, a legend of left-arm spin.

“So far, I haven’t had many chances to interact with him. But I’ll definitely try to learn as much as I can before heading to England,” he said.

Focus on the Present, Eyes on the Future

Having already turned out for Vijay CC in Chennai’s First Division league, Dubey has stayed grounded through his rise. His IPL stint may have been brief this year, but his mindset is all about being prepared for the next challenge — mentally and physically.

“The more I stay in the present, the better I prepare. I’ve been focusing on fitness, bowling, and batting so that I’m ready when opportunities come,” Harsh added.

Taaza Takeaway

In Harsh Dubey, Indian cricket has discovered a true left-arm spinning prospect with skill as well as temperament. Whether on the dusty Vidarbha tracks or the cold climes of England, Dubey is cut for the big stage. With both India A and IPL stints now behind him, anticipate hearing much more from this Ranji record-breaker in the coming months.