Indian cricket is entering a major transition phase, with senior stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja all approaching the final stage of their glittering careers. The trio has shaped Indian cricket for years, but the team management is now clearly looking ahead and investing in the next generation.

Newly appointed spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule believes the future is already taking shape. With young spinners like Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar stepping into the spotlight, Bahutule feels India’s spin department is slowly preparing for the demands of international cricket. Dubey made his ODI debut in the opening match against Afghanistan, while Suthar grabbed attention with a six-wicket haul on his Test debut.

“This is a transition time for spinners. I feel Harsh and other youngsters who are coming in and have been given chances, will realise that they have big shoes to fill. They have the capabilities, they have the potential but I think the more they will play, the more they will settle down. Harsh is a player who definitely has that potential and can be a good all-rounder,” Sairaj Bahutule said, as quoted by the Indian Express.

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Harsh Dubey made a strong first impression in Dharamsala, picking up three wickets on debut and showing that he has the temperament to perform at the highest level. Bahutule was quick to praise the left-arm spinner’s composure and believes regular opportunities will help him become a more complete cricketer.

“He is a player for the future. He has got the skills, he has got a good temperament and has proved it not only in domestic cricket, but that one game which he got last time, he came back very strongly and did very well. So moving ahead, I am sure the more he plays, the more experience he gets and definitely he will enhance his skill,” Sairaj Bahutule added.

At the same time, Ravindra Jadeja was left out of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, raising questions about his future in the format. Bahutule, however, was full of respect for the veteran all-rounder’s contribution to Indian cricket.

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“Jadeja is very experienced, the way he has performed and the way he has contributed towards Indian cricket is phenomenal with the bat and the ball,” he said. The second ODI of the three-match series will be played on June 17 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.