Harsh Dubey, a record-breaking bowler from the Ranji Trophy, has been drafted in to replace the injured R Smaran for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. At just 22, Dubey has already made a name for himself by claiming the most wickets ever in a Ranji Trophy season, taking 69 scalps for Vidarbha, surpassing the previous record held by Ashutosh Aman.
Smaran, also 22, hails from Karnataka and had been filling in for Adam Zampa in the SRH squad. Unfortunately, an injury has curtailed his season. Dubey, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, has been acquired by SRH for INR 30 lakh, reflecting his base price from the last IPL auction.
While Dubey’s Ranji Trophy achievements are noteworthy, his performances in white-ball formats have been more subdued. In List A cricket, Dubey has taken 21 wickets from 20 bowling innings at an average of 34.66. In Twenty20 matches, he has claimed nine wickets from 16 bowling innings with an economy rate of 6.78. His recent success in domestic cricket has nevertheless bolstered his reputation ahead of this IPL opportunity.
SRH find themselves in a difficult position this season, having managed just three victories in their ten matches so far, placing them ninth in the standings. Even if they triumph in their remaining four fixtures, they will only accumulate 14 points, requiring a dramatic turn of fortune from other teams. Their net run-rate, currently -1.192, is the lowest among the ten teams, including already-eliminated outfits like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
As Dubey joins the squad, SRH are preparing for their next clash against Delhi Capitals at home in Hyderabad. His inclusion gives fans something to look forward to as the team endeavours to finish the season on a high note.
