Harsh Dubey Thrilled by Maiden India Call-Up for Afghanistan Series

Harsh Dubey, a new Indian all-rounder, is thrilled about his first national call-up for the Afghanistan series. He anticipates playing alongside legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Dubey also looks forward to observing Shubman Gill's leadership style. This opportunity marks a dream come true for the young cricketer. He aims to focus on his performance game by game.

New Delhi: Sharing the ODI dressing room with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be quite an "achievement" for rookie Indian all-rounder Harsh Dubey who is also looking forward to understand Test captain Shubman Gill's leadership style in the upcoming home series against Afghanistan.

The 23-year-old Dubey has been picked in both the Test and ODI squads and the left-arm spinner said everything has felt like a dream since he was informed of his maiden national call-up.

Speaking to 'JioStar', Dubey recalled the moment he found out about his selection in the Indian squad for the Afghanistan series, which begins with a one-off Test in Mulanpur from June 6.

"We had reached the airport and found out our flight was delayed by an hour. I got a call from someone managing a cricket social media page, asking how I felt about my name being in the ODI series," he said.

"Because of the noise and network issues in the lounge, I thought he was referring to the Sri Lanka A ODI tri-series, so I said it felt like one step closer to the dream and that my focus was still on the IPL.

"As soon as I hung up, I started getting messages saying I had received both the Test and ODI call-ups. I was confused because the squad had just been announced, so I quickly checked online and saw the news. It honestly took me a few minutes to process what had happened...It genuinely felt like I was dreaming."

The Sunrisers Hyderabad player was a standout performer for Vidarbha in the 2024-25 Ranji season, snaring 69 wickets and contributing 469 runs.

Dubey said he still doesn't have words to describe his state of mind but is looking forward to making mark.

"...instead of thinking too far ahead, I prefer to focus on what is in my hands, one game at a time...I don't want to think too far ahead about playing the 2027 World Cup or winning the WTC for India. I just want to stay in the present and do the best I can with what is in my hands," he said.

On the prospect of sharing dressing room with Kohli and Rohit during the three ODIs that will follow the Test match, Dubey said, "I have grown up watching them. Ever since I started understanding cricket, they have been performing for India and dominating world cricket.

"So, getting a chance to play with them is a huge achievement for me. I always wanted to play alongside at least one legend before they retire or whenever their final phase comes. Even if I get to play one match with them, it will be a dream-come-true moment for me."

He is equally excited about interacting with Gill in the Test format.

"I actually want to see how Shubman Gill is as a person from close quarters because, as an opponent, you can never fully understand what someone is like or how they are as a captain.

"I enjoy playing under captains who are aggressive and competitive on the field. No matter how calm and composed you are off it, I believe you need that aggression on the ground, and I enjoy playing with people who bring that intensity."