Harsh Dubey had always dreamt of wearing the India jersey. But when the moment finally arrived, the young cricketer from Nagpur found himself overwhelmed and almost numb with emotion.
Dubey was on a flight with his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates, heading back home for their final league match of the Indian Premier League season, when he received the news of his maiden India call-up for the one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning June 6.
Despite congratulatory messages pouring in from teammates and friends, Dubey could barely process the moment. “Thank you”… was all he could manage to reply.
The left-handed all-rounder has steadily risen through the ranks in recent years. A regular performer for the India ‘A’ side, Dubey caught national attention after creating a new Ranji Trophy record with 69 wickets in a single season, surpassing the previous mark of 68.
His performances in the IPL further strengthened his case. Drafted into the SRH playing XI as a replacement for R Smaran, Dubey made an immediate impact. In just three matches, the left-arm orthodox spinner claimed the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and Andre Russell.
Yet, even after such performances, a national call-up in both formats came as a complete surprise.
“Unbelievable. Never thought of getting the maiden call-up. It still feels like a dream. Hope it is not. Hope this dream never ends,” Dubey told The Hitavada shortly before take-off.
“We are about to fly. Will call you in the night and will have a long chat then, sir,” he said humbly, before adding, “There are several missed calls in my call log, will call you later.”
When requested for a brief interaction, the 23-year-old agreed.
“This selection is because of the sacrifice made by my parents, father Surendra and mother Jyoti. Credit of this selection goes to them,” replied Dubey.
The youngster also made sure to acknowledge the contribution of his childhood coach, Dilip Das.
“It is also because of my childhood coach Das sir, all members of Vidarbha Cricket Association for showing faith in me and giving me the opportunity to represent Vidarbha,” he added.
Dubey began his cricketing journey with Ruby Club and remains deeply grateful to the institution that shaped his early years.
“At Ruby Club I learnt the nuances of the game. The club gave me a strong foundation. I am thankful to each and every member of the club.
“Also at Nagpur Cricket Academy (NCA), Madhav Bakre sir, who always supported me and allowed me to use the facilities. Without them I wouldn’t have achieved my dream,” Dubey told this scribe.
Even after the announcement, the reality of representing India had still not fully sunk in for the young cricketer.
“It is yet to sink in. I am still dreaming, still numb. Let this sink in first and then only will I be able to think about the Test,” Dubey signed off as his Hyderabad-bound flight departed from Chennai.
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