Harsh Dubey: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Rising Spin Sensation in IPL 2025
No doubt, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) nailed it when it came to choosing replacement players this IPL season, but Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) might just have stumbled upon a gem for the future—Harsh Dubey. This 22-year-old left-arm spinner has been quietly but steadily turning heads, not only with his IPL performances but also because of his record-breaking exploits in domestic cricket.
Breaking Records and Breaking Bats
Earlier this year, Harsh Dubey etched his name into the Ranji Trophy history books by taking the most wickets in a single season—a feat that immediately put him on the radar of cricketing legends. It’s one thing to perform in domestic cricket, but to translate that success on a big stage like IPL is where true talent shines. And Dubey has started doing just that.
In the IPL 2025, after the mini-break, Dubey played three games for SRH. His numbers? Initially modest—1 for 44 and 1 for 20—but it was his last outing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that really caught the eye. Four overs, 3 wickets for 34 runs—an impressive haul that not only helped his team but announced that this young spinner is ready to make waves.
What the Experts Say: Praise from Kumble, Vettori, and Moody
The buzz around Dubey isn't just from the fans. His performances have earned nods of approval from some of the biggest names in cricket.
Daniel Vettori, SRH’s head coach and a spin legend himself, had high praise after the match against KKR:
"We're really pleased with what Harsh has done since joining the team. He's a very clever bowler, understands the conditions well, and knows how to mix up his deliveries. We needed that control, and he's delivered it consistently across the three games he's played."
Vettori also highlighted that Dubey’s journey is just beginning, especially with the India A team tours lined up soon. Playing more cricket for India A and Vidarbha will give him tons of exposure, helping him improve not only his bowling but his batting too—another reason SRH invested in him.
Anil Kumble, India’s most successful Test bowler ever, spoke about Dubey’s bowling technique on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. He emphasized that Dubey isn’t just tossing the ball up hoping for spin—he’s actually “giving it a proper tweak.” What does that mean? Well, Dubey manages to impart significant revolutions on the ball, which allows it to dip sharply and turn off the pitch effectively.
Kumble noted the importance of consistency, which Dubey has shown in domestic cricket. He praised Dubey for beating big hitters like Andre Russell with pace rather than just spin—a key skill for any spinner looking to succeed in all formats. "The ball doesn’t just turn, it comes back sharply," Kumble explained, highlighting Dubey’s control and variety.
Tom Moody, the SRH director of cricket, also chipped in with technical insights. Moody explained that even when Dubey bowls faster deliveries, he doesn’t lose the shape or overspin on the ball. This ability to maintain the ball’s integrity while varying pace makes it very difficult for batsmen to predict and time their shots. Moody called Dubey’s wicket to Russell an “absolute peach,” praising the sharp dip and turn.
Why Harsh Dubey Could Be the Next Big Thing
Let’s talk about what makes Harsh Dubey stand out in the sea of spinners. Here are some exciting elements and reasons why he’s a prospect to watch out for:
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Record-breaking domestic form: Leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season shows his hunger and skill in longer formats.
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Clever variations: Dubey mixes flight, pace, and spin to confuse batsmen—he’s not just a one-trick pony.
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Mental toughness: Being young and already impressing veterans like Kumble and Moody shows he has the right mindset.
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Batting ability: A handy lower-order batsman, which adds to his value as a cricketer.
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Upcoming India A tours: A huge platform to learn and improve against tough opposition in England’s conditions.
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Control under pressure: Has shown control and composure in IPL matches, even when bowling to big hitters.
Dubey’s IPL 2025 Journey So Far
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2025 campaign was a bit disappointing overall, exiting the tournament earlier than expected. But amid the chaos, Dubey’s rise was a bright spot. His three games post the IPL’s short break revealed a spinner who’s not afraid to attack.
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In the first two matches, though his figures (1/44 and 1/20) might look ordinary, he showed glimpses of skill and control.
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The last match against KKR was the defining moment—three wickets in four overs, including the prized scalp of Andre Russell.
The Russell Dismissal: A Masterclass in Spin Bowling
Andre Russell is known to be one of the most destructive hitters in T20 cricket, especially against spin. But Dubey’s delivery had him stumped. After dismissing Rinku Singh, Dubey pitched the ball on a length right at middle stump. The ball turned sharply, beating Russell’s bat and crashing into the stumps.
Tom Moody described the delivery as a “peach” — a perfect combination of flight, dip, and turn. This wicket showed that Dubey isn’t just relying on traditional spin; he’s bowling with pace and sharpness that even explosive hitters find hard to handle.
What’s Next for Harsh Dubey?
The upcoming India A tours in England represent a golden opportunity. Dubey will be playing two first-class matches against England A from the end of May and then a four-day game against the Indian Test squad before the official Test series starts on June 20. These matches will be crucial for his development, giving him exposure to swinging conditions and quality batsmen.
Kumble and Moody both see a future for Dubey not just in T20s but also in Test cricket. Moody said,
"I see him as a Test bowler as much as a T20 bowler. Imagine facing him on a turning track for five days."
Kumble echoed this sentiment, praising his consistency and wicket-taking ability in domestic cricket and calling the India A stint a “great opportunity” for growth.
Final Thoughts: The Future Looks Bright for SRH’s Young Spinner
Sunrisers Hyderabad might have exited IPL 2025 earlier than hoped, but Harsh Dubey’s arrival is a silver lining. He’s got the skill, the temperament, and the backing of legends like Vettori, Kumble, and Moody. More importantly, he has the opportunity to polish his craft on upcoming tours and domestic matches.
For cricket fans, especially those who follow young Indian talent, Dubey is a name to remember. The journey from domestic star to IPL impact player to possibly a future India Test bowler could well be on the cards. Keep an eye on this talented left-arm spinner — he’s just getting started.
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