India’s preparations for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan have generated significant interest, particularly because several emerging domestic performers have earned opportunities at the highest level. With senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for the match in New Chandigarh, the spotlight has shifted towards a new generation of spin-bowling talent hoping to make its mark in Test cricket.Among those drawing attention is Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey, whose impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have put him firmly in contention for an international debut. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that Dubey is the player he is most eager to watch during the contest.Speaking on JioStar, Ashwin believes Kuldeep Yadav will shoulder the responsibility of leading India’s spin attack in Jadeja’s absence. He feels 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 has been 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 the supporting role. He is more of a defensive, containing bowler who can also bat lower down the order. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells will be useful on a wearing track. Both will be key to India’s success in this Test match,” he said.Ashwin, however, reserved special praise for Dubey, whose rise through the domestic ranks has caught the attention of several former cricketers. While acknowledging that the team management could choose either Dubey or Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar, the veteran spinner said he was particularly excited about the Vidarbha player’s prospects.“However, my eyes will be on Harsh Dubey. I am curious whether he will get a chance. We will have to wait and see if the team goes with Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. But I am particularly interested in Dubey because of his strong domestic season. He also had a very good IPL season. Those performances work in his favour. I am looking forward to seeing him make his debut,” he added.Dubey strengthened his credentials during IPL 2026 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, claiming eight wickets in eight matches at an average of 28.50. His first-class record is equally impressive. In 27 matches, he has picked up 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls. He has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 1,027 runs at an average of 25.65 and registering nine half-centuries.Suthar, meanwhile, has built a strong domestic record of his own. The Rajasthan all-rounder has taken 129 wickets from 29 first-class matches at an average of 25.76, with six five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match hauls. His batting returns include 945 runs, highlighted by a century and six fifties. During IPL 2026, he featured for Gujarat Titans, collecting two wickets from four appearances.Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim also shared his thoughts ahead of the Test, focusing on India’s pace attack. According to Karim, Mohammed Siraj will have to take greater responsibility with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, pointing to Siraj’s successful tour of England as evidence that he is capable of leading the attack.“He (Siraj) has the pace, the aggression, and the ability to swing the ball both ways. But he will need support from the other end as well. The good thing is that he will have Gurnoor Brar alongside him, a young, tall, right-arm pacer standing at 6 feet 4 inches. His height gives him natural bounce, which can be useful on Indian pitches. This is the right time for Siraj to not only guide but also inspire the young fast bowlers coming through the system,” added Saba.Siraj heads into the Afghanistan Test after finishing as India’s leading wicket-taker in last year’s Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, where he claimed 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/70.Alongside him could be uncapped pacer Gurnoor Brar, whose height and bounce have earned praise from experts. The young fast bowler has taken 52 wickets in 18 first-class matches at an average of 27.30, with best figures of 5/14.With several promising youngsters in the squad and key senior players absent, the one-off Test against Afghanistan could provide a valuable glimpse into India’s next generation of talent, with Harsh Dubey among the names attracting the greatest attention.
