'Not here to replace anyone' — Harsh Dubey breaks silence on his role in India's squad for IND vs AFG series 2025

Young left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey described his maiden India call-up for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan as a dream come true. The 23-year-old Vidarbha cricketer said the opportunity is another important step towards fulfilling his lifelong ambition of representing India at the highest level and performing well for the country.

Dubey has been selected for India’s upcoming assignment after impressing consistently in domestic cricket with his all-round performances. Recently, chief selector Ajit Agarkar also praised the youngster and called him a bright prospect for the future. At the same time, Agarkar clarified that senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is only being rested for the one-off Test in June, leading to discussions about Dubey being viewed as Jadeja’s replacement.

However, the young Indian spinner firmly rejected those talks and made it clear that he wants to build his own identity in Indian cricket. In a viral video, Dubey said, “I am not looking to replace anyone. Another opportunity has been created for me to go one step further in fulfilling my dream. It is the dream of every Indian cricketer to represent the country and do well for the team.” His mature response has already earned praise from fans, with many appreciating his confidence and clarity ahead of his first international assignment.

Watch the viral video here:

Harsh Dubey opens up on pressure, competition & what he wants to prove in the IND vs AFG series

Young Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey has opened up about the pressure, competition, and expectations surrounding his maiden India call-up for the upcoming IND vs AFG series. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder earned national selection after playing a major role in Vidarbha’s successful 2024/25 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker. Despite the growing attention around him, Dubey remains calm and focused on continuing the hard work that brought him to this stage.

Speaking after arriving for the national assignment, Dubey made it clear that he is not thinking about replacing any senior player and instead wants to create his own identity in Indian cricket. “This opportunity has helped me grow a lot as a player. I am not looking to replace anyone,” he told IANS. The youngster added that his entire focus is on performing well whenever he gets the chance rather than worrying too much about the future or outside expectations.

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Dubey also confidently described himself as a genuine all-rounder and said he takes great pride in his batting abilities alongside his bowling. “I always say that I love my batting the most. So I will say I am an all-rounder, a hundred percent,” he said. The 23-year-old further explained that he does not plan to make any major changes to his preparation for the Afghanistan series, stressing that self-belief and consistency remain the biggest keys to success at the international level.

'I know what I bring to the table' — Dubey's mindset ahead of his potential India debut vs Afghanistan

Ahead of his potential India debut against Afghanistan, Harsh Dubey has made it clear that he trusts his own abilities and wants to stay true to his natural game. The young Vidarbha all-rounder said his maiden national call-up is the result of years of hard work and consistent performances in domestic cricket, adding that he is focused only on giving his best whenever the opportunity arises.

The SRH all-rounder also firmly dismissed talks of replacing senior players and stressed that he wants to create his own identity in Indian cricket. “This opportunity has helped me grow a lot as a player. I am not looking to replace anyone,” he told PTI. The 23-year-old added that he does not want to think too much about the future and instead prefers to stay focused on the present and continue improving every day.

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Despite carrying an impressive record of 198 wickets in 95 professional matches, Dubey remains calm ahead of the high-pressure international stage. He said he plans to treat the upcoming game in Mullanpur like any other match and does not want to put extra pressure on himself. “I just want to back my abilities and keep doing what has always worked for me,” Dubey said, highlighting the confident mindset he will carry into the Afghanistan series.

IND vs AFG 2025: Will Harsh Dubey make the playing XI? Here's what the selectors are thinking

National selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has given a clear signal — the selectors see Harsh Dubey as a serious prospect for India's future. Agarkar also confirmed that Ravindra Jadeja is simply being rested for the upcoming June Test against Afghanistan, leaving the door open for fresher faces.

Dubey earned his national call-up the hard way. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in Vidarbha's 2024/25 Ranji Trophy title run — a campaign that put him firmly on the selectors' radar.

His numbers back the hype. In 27 first-class matches, the Sunrisers' prodigy has taken 133 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin and scored over 1,000 runs at an average just under 27, including nine half-centuries. He is not a bowler who can bat. He is a genuine all-rounder — and he wants that distinction to be clear.

"I really enjoy my batting and want to consistently perform as an all-rounder. I see myself as an all-rounder because I have always played as one," Dubey told IANS.

The selector's confidence, the track record, and the squad opening all point in one direction. For now, Harsh Dubey looks set to get his chance.

Harsh Dubey arrives at the international level not as a wildcard but as a player who has quietly built a strong case over several domestic seasons. With the selectors backing him, a clear role in mind, and the confidence to match, the IND vs AFG series could mark the beginning of a long India career — not just a one-off appearance.