The current transition phase in India's cricket team specifically highlights the focus on young spinners like Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, and Zeeshan Ansari as veterans move on or manage their workloads.
During the first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala on Saturday (June 13), Dubey received his maiden India cap. Despite leaking 16 runs in his opening over to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the left-arm spinner displayed excellent temperament to bounce back and secure figures of 3/47 from five overs in a rain-curtailed fixture.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the vacuum left by Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement and the management resting Ravindra Jadeja.
"This is a transition time for spinners. This group of spinners, the selectors, Gautam (Gambhir) and everybody, they are having a look at all the spinners. Those who have the potential, those who have the right attributes, they will definitely be given a chance," Bahutule told reporters.
"That is what the process is. In a transition, you have to identify the right bowler. That is what the process is at the moment. I am sure we will get the right people on board," he added.
Sairaj Bahutule, who represented India in 2 Tests and 8 ODIs, has been specifically added to the coaching staff to mentor this raw spin bowlers group.
"For me, every spinner is unique. I think Jadeja is very experienced. The way he has performed and the way he has contributed towards Indian cricket is phenomenal with the bat and the ball. I feel Harsh and other youngsters who are coming in and have been given the chances, will realise that it is a big shoes to fill up.
"They have the capabilities, they have the potential but I think the more they will play, the more they will settle down. Harsh is a player who definitely has that potential," he stated.
Bahutule identified Harsh Dubey as future asset, hailing his temperament and skills for successfully bouncing back from a shaky opening over on debut.
"Harsh definitely has a good future as an all-rounder, he has done exceedingly well for Vidarbha and I think that is the reason why he has been given this opportunity."
"With each game we learn. Last game also he was under pressure after that first over but the way he came back, I think Shubman (Gill) also used him very well, made the right changes at the right time, and gave him the ends which suited him," he remarked.
Bahutule believes such experiences will instill more confidence in Dubey. "I think he (Dubey) is one player for the future, he has got the skills, he has got a good temperament and I think he has proved it not only in domestic cricket but I think that one game which he got last time, he came back very strongly and did very well. The more experience he gets and definitely he will enhance his skill," he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
