Harsh Dubey Sets New Wickets Record in Ranji Trophy Showdown
The Ranji Trophy final this year was filled with drama, and all eyes were on Vidarbha's 22-year-old left-arm spinner, Harsh Dubey, who wrote his name into cricket's history books. Dubey didn’t just star in the match—he tore up the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. He started the final with 66 wickets, just shy of Ashutosh Aman’s record of 68 from the 2018-19 season. Dubey crossed that line in style by dismissing Kerala’s MD Nidheesh on the third day, chalking up his 69th scalp and setting a shiny new mark for the future.
What’s even more impressive is how consistent Dubey has been this season. He’s bagged 69 wickets at an average of 17, striking about every 38 balls. In a format where bowlers often grind for rewards, Dubey has made it look easy. Kerala, up against Vidarbha’s 379, looked for a while like they could make it a contest. Sachin Baby’s gritty 98 and Aditya Sarwate’s 79 held the line, but once Dubey and his spin partner Parth Rekhade began their assault, Kerala’s resolve fell apart. Together, the two spinners picked up six wickets, whittling the opposition down and grabbing a valuable 37-run lead. That cushion has put Vidarbha in the driver’s seat, eyeing what could soon be their second Ranji Trophy title.
The Making of a Young Cricket Star
Dig a little deeper and you’ll see Dubey’s season was no flash in the pan. Across all first-class matches, he’s now racked up 97 wickets at a tidy average of 19.88—numbers that catch the attention of selectors and fans alike. And he’s not just about taking wickets. Dubey’s bat has chipped in, with 472 runs and five half-centuries. His talent goes beyond the ball, showing he’s got what it takes to be a true all-rounder.
Dubey doesn’t shy away from crediting those who helped shape his path. He points to hours spent under the watchful eye of Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin, who helped him refine the subtleties of spin. That mentoring is starting to pay off—the kind of boost that turns promise into results. Now, with his name on the all-time list and an IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad already in the bag, Dubey’s stock is quickly rising. Young, composed, and full of fight, he’s shown he belongs on cricket’s big stage.
For Vidarbha, Dubey's run isn’t just a personal story—it's a massive advantage as they chase another Ranji Trophy. And for anyone who follows domestic cricket in India, watching this left-arm spinner break an age-old record and shape the outcome of a final is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn when one player hits peak form. If you're looking for Indian cricket's next big thing, you don't have to look much further than Harsh Dubey.