At just 23, Harsh Dubey has emerged as one of India’s top cricket talents, a left-arm spinner from Vidarbha whose rapid rise has won over fans and experts. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, he took an impressive 69 wickets and scored 476 runs, helping Vidarbha win the championship. In the IPL, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he dismissed big names like Virat Kohli and Andre Russell, took 5 wickets in just three matches. In a candid interview with Cric Insights, Harsh shared his inspiring journey—from a chance moment in Nagpur to becoming one of India’s best young cricketers.
A Wrong Turn That Changed Everything
Harsh’s cricket story began at age 11 by chance. While out with his father in Nagpur to buy schoolbooks, they accidentally stumbled upon a local cricket academy. The sound of bats and the energy of kids playing caught his attention. “I told my dad, ‘Papa, I want to play cricket,’” Harsh recalls with a smile. “That wrong turn changed my life.” He joined the academy as a fifth-grader, diving into cricket with a passion that would shape his future. Those early days of practice and dreams set the stage for his incredible journey.
From Batsman to Star Spinner & The Allrounder
As a young player, Harsh dreamed of being an opening batsman, hitting big shots. But during a practice session, when the team’s regular left-arm spinner was absent, a friend suggested he try bowling. “I bowled a few balls, got some wickets, and loved it,” he says, his excitement clear. “Outsmarting a batsman with spin felt amazing.” His coaches saw his knack for making the ball turn and encouraged him to focus on spin bowling. Harsh worked hard, practicing for hours to perfect his technique, from flight to clever variations.
He also moved from opening batsman to batting in the middle order to become a better all-rounder. “I didn’t even know what ‘middle order’ meant at first,” he laughs. “A teammate explained, and I just went with it.” This flexibility made him the all-rounder he is today, able to change games with both his bowling and batting. His ability to adapt shows a maturity beyond his years.
A Family’s Love and Sacrifice
Harsh’s success is rooted in his family’s sacrifices. His father, a Border Security Force officer, faced frequent transfers that made training tough. In a huge act of love, he quit his stable job to support Harsh’s cricket dreams. “My dad gave up something so many people want, just for me,” Harsh says, his voice full of emotion. “I can never repay that.” His mother, a teacher, balanced her job while cheering him on. “My parents are my everything,” he says. “Every wicket and run is for them.” Their support drives Harsh to work harder and make them proud.
Shining in Domestic Cricket
Harsh excelled at every level of Vidarbha’s youth teams—U-13, U-16, U-19, and U-23. His sharp spin and control made him a standout, consistently fooling batsmen. By his late teens, he was a key player for Vidarbha’s senior team, bowling long spells and scoring important runs. The 2024–25 Ranji Trophy was his breakout season, with 69 wickets—one of the highest in the tournament—and 476 runs, helping Vidarbha win the title. “Everything came together that season,” he says. “All the hard work felt worth it when we won.”
In the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Karnataka, Harsh showed his batting skills. Chasing 350, Vidarbha were struggling at 224/6 when he came in. His bold batting thrilled the crowd, nearly turning the game. “Hearing the fans cheer was unforgettable,” he says proudly. Though Vidarbha lost, Harsh’s performance under pressure proved he’s a big-moment player.
IPL Breakthrough
In 2025, Harsh got his chance with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, where he showed he could compete with the best. In just three matches, he dismissed stars like Virat Kohli, Mitchell Marsh, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. His wicket of Russell—a perfect delivery that hit the stumps—is a favorite memory. “I knew if I bowled it right, I could get him,” Harsh recalls. “When the stumps flew, it felt like all my practice paid off.” His fast, spinning deliveries impressed everyone, making him a T20 star.
Anil Kumble’s Praise
Cricket legend Anil Kumble analyzed Harsh’s bowling on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out after his three-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. “He gives the ball a real spin, with drift and speed,” Kumble said. He praised Harsh’s dismissals of Russell and Ramandeep, noting, “He got them with pace, not just turn. With Russell, the ball came back perfectly.” Kumble highlighted Harsh’s ability to bowl fast while keeping the ball spinning, saying, “Most spinners lose spin in T20s when they bowl quicker. Harsh doesn’t—he keeps the dip, making him hard to read.” He believes Harsh is ready for India A and beyond.
India A and Future Goals
Harsh’s form earned him a spot on India A’s 2025 England tour, where he shone with bat and ball. “Playing for India A was a dream,” he says. “It showed me what’s possible if I keep working.” As the 2025–26 season nears, Harsh is training hard for the Duleep Trophy, Australia A’s tour of India, the Irani Cup—where Vidarbha will play as Ranji champions—and another Ranji season. “I want to keep taking wickets and scoring runs,” he says with focus. “Every chance matters.”
India’s Rising Star
Experts like Anil Kumble, Simon Doull, and Ian Bishop call Harsh a complete cricketer. “He’s got spin, batting, and fielding,” Bishop said. His ability to win games with his bowling, add key runs, and move quickly in the field makes him special. At 23, Harsh Dubey is one of India’s best young players, driven by ambition and his family’s sacrifices. “Every step is for my parents,” he says quietly. “They gave up so much. Now I want to make them proud.”
As he prepares for the next season, Harsh’s journey—from a lucky mistake in Nagpur to outsmarting top players—inspires fans. Indian cricket has found a new star, one whose heart and talent will shine for years.
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