India’s preparations for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan have generated considerable interest, especially as several budding domestic players have bagged opportunities at the top level. With senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for the match in New Chandigarh, the focus has shifted to the new generation of spin bowling talent hoping to make their mark in Test cricket.Vidarbha’s all-rounders are also among those attracting attention. Harsh Dubeywhose impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have put him firmly in contention for an international debut. Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin He admitted that Dubey is the player he most looks forward to watching during the competition.Speaking to JioStar, Ashwin believes that Kuldeep Yadav will shoulder the responsibility of leading India’s spin attack in Jadeja’s absence. They feel that the left-arm wrist-spinner’s recent form and experience in Indian conditions could prove decisive against Afghanistan.“Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. He is bowling with great rhythm and confidence. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his experience in home conditions make him a huge threat. Washington Sundar will play a supporting role. He is more defensive, has the ability to slow down the bowler and slow down the batsman. The spell wearers will be useful on the track. Both will be key to India’s success in this Test match,” he said.Ashwin, however, reserves special praise for Dubey, whose rise in the domestic ranks has caught the attention of several former cricketers. Admitting that the team management could opt for either Dubey or Rajasthan all-rounder Manusuthar, the veteran spinner said he was especially excited about the Vidarbha player’s prospects.“However, I will have my eyes on Harsh Dubey. I want to know if he gets a chance or not. We will have to wait and see if the team goes with Manav Sathar or Harsh Dubey. But I am particularly interested in Dubey because of his strong domestic season. His IPL season was also very good. Those performances work in his favor. I am looking forward to seeing him make his debut,” he added.Dubey cemented his reputation with Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2026, taking eight wickets in eight matches at an average of 28.50. His first-class record is equally impressive. In 27 matches, he took 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls. He also played an important role with the bat, scoring 1,027 runs at an average of 25.65 and scoring nine fifties.In the meantime, Suther has built a strong domestic record of his own. The Rajasthan all-rounder has taken 129 wickets in 29 first-class matches at an average of 25.76, including six five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls. His batting returns include 945 runs, including one century and six fifties. During IPL 2026, he took two wickets in four matches for Gujarat Titans.Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim also shared his thoughts ahead of the Test, focusing on India’s pace attack. According to Karim, Mohammad Siraj will have to shoulder more responsibility. Jasprit Bumrah Not available, pointing to Siraj’s successful tour of England as evidence that he has the ability to lead the attack.“He (Siraj) has pace, aggression and the ability to swing the ball both ways. But it will need support from the other end as well. The good thing is that they will be joined by Gurnor Brar, a young, tall, right-arm pacer at 6 feet 4 inches. His height gives him natural bounce, which can come in handy on Indian pitches. “It is the right time for Siraj to not only guide but also inspire the young fast bowlers coming through the system,” added Saba.Siraj goes into the Afghanistan Test after finishing as India’s leading wicket-taker in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy against England last year, where he took 23 wickets at 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/70.He could be joined by uncapped fast bowler Gurnor Brar, whose height and bounce have drawn praise from experts. The young fast bowler took 52 wickets in 18 first-class matches at an average of 27.30, with best figures of 5/14.With several promising youngsters and key senior players absent from the squad, the lone Test against Afghanistan could provide a valuable glimpse of India’s next generation of talent, with Harsh Dubey among the most eye-catching names.
