Gautam Gambhir Drops Big Hint On India’s New Spinner Ahead Of Afghanistan Test

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has indicated that one of Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey could make his Test debut in the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, with the team management using the match as part of its preparations for the Sri Lanka tour later this year.

India will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, starting on Saturday. Although the match is not part of the current World Test Championship cycle, it provides an important opportunity for the team to assess a few players ahead of future assignments.

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One of the massive selection battles is between left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey. Both players are in contention for a spot in the playing XI, and Gambhir suggested that the match could help the team decide which spinner earns a place in the squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka in August.

Speaking ahead of the match, Gambhir said both bowlers bring different qualities despite being similar in some aspects.

“Manav and Harsh are similar to a certain extent, but they are also different, especially in terms of their release points. This game gives us a chance to identify our fourth spinner because we are planning to take four spinners to Sri Lanka,” Gambhir said.

The Indian coach also highlighted the importance of planning for different overseas conditions. He explained that the team management is already looking at future tours and building a pool of players who can adapt to varying challenges.

“We will need a different approach when we travel to New Zealand. Some of our regular ODI players who also play Test cricket will be involved in those plans. We understand the importance of preparing better for Test cricket and building the right combinations for different conditions,” Gambhir added.