Harsh is one for the future: Bahutule

India’s newly appointed spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule gave Harsh Dubey the thumbs up after the left-arm tweaker’s three-wicket haul on debut (three for 47) in the seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Dharamshala on Saturday (June 13, 2026).

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“Harsh definitely has a good future,” Bahutule said in Lucknow on Tuesday (June 16, 2026), ahead of the second ODI. “Last game, he was under pressure after that first over [16 runs], but the way he came back [was impressive].

“Shubman [Gill] also used him very well, made the right changes at the right time, and gave him the ends which were suitable. He [Harsh] is one player for the future. He has the skills and a good temperament, and the more he plays, the more experience he’ll get and enhance his skill.”

With Ravindra Jadeja, 37, and Axar Patel, 32, India appears keen on setting in motion the process to locate the next set of left-arm spinners. Bahutule expressed confidence that Harsh would eventually look the part.

“For me, every spinner is unique. Jadeja is very experienced, and the way he’s performed and contributed to Indian cricket is phenomenal.

“This is transition time for spin. Harsh and other youngsters will realise that these are big shoes to fill.

“But they have the capability and the potential. The more they will play, the more they will settle down, learn from every game and grow.”

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said that the key to success on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) will be in not losing wickets in a heap. In the first ODI, his side fell to 26 for three, recovered to 142 for three before being bowled out for 194.

“We should not make the same mistakes,” Shahidi said. “Hopefully, we [will] have some good partnerships and no back-to-back wickets.

“The conditions will be a little bit slower, better for spin, and the weather is also hot. We will try to do our basics right and just play positive cricket”.