Sharpening up for the spin test: India drill against turn as three young spinners earn a golden ticket

With the turning tracks of Sri Lanka firmly in mind, India's batters put in dedicated preparation against spin as they geared up to depart for their two-match Test series. On the eve of the journey, the likes of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were among those honing their craft against the slow bowlers, mindful of the stern examination that awaits on subcontinental surfaces.

Alongside the senior squad, three highly-rated young spin all-rounders — Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam — have been handed a valuable opportunity to travel with the team as net bowlers, offering them a taste of the international environment.

Preparing for the spin challenge

The focus on playing spin is unsurprising given the nature of the conditions in Galle and Colombo, where the ball is expected to turn significantly. India's batting group knows that adapting to those demands, and countering quality spin bowling, will be central to their hopes of success.

The pre-departure sessions were designed to sharpen technique and mindset against turn, ensuring the players arrive well-drilled for a challenge that has tested even the finest touring sides over the years.

A learning trip for the trio

According to a Sportstar report, Harsh Dubey, Vipraj Nigam and Tanush Kotian will accompany the Indian team to Sri Lanka as net bowlers. With Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain all in the squad, none of the three is likely to feature in the playing eleven in such a short series.

Nonetheless, being part of the setup, even in a net-bowling capacity, represents a significant learning experience. The trio will have the chance to work closely with the national team's coaches and support staff, gaining invaluable exposure to the standards and routines of international cricket.

Harsh Dubey's rich returns

Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey is no stranger to the fringes of the setup, having also been part of the Test squad for the recent one-off fixture against Afghanistan. His domestic record makes for compelling reading.

In 28 first-class matches, Dubey has claimed 136 wickets at an impressive average of 23.55, with best figures of 6 for 36. He is far from a one-dimensional cricketer, too, having accumulated 1,085 runs at an average of 25.83, including nine half-centuries — the kind of all-round profile India increasingly value.

Kotian's all-round pedigree

Off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian has also been around the India and 'A' side setups, and even featured in the squad for the final two Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia as R Ashwin's replacement. His numbers underline his growing reputation.

Across 44 first-class games, the Mumbai man has taken 131 wickets at 27.48, with best figures of 5 for 58. His batting, however, is arguably his standout suit, boasting 2,168 runs at a remarkable average of 42.50, with two hundreds and 17 half-centuries — a genuine lower-order asset.

Nigam the emerging talent

The youngest of the three, leg-spinning all-rounder Vipraj Nigam, is at a much earlier stage of his career. He has played just six first-class matches so far, taking 20 wickets at an average of 37.05 with best figures of 4 for 81.

With the bat, he has 135 runs from nine innings. While his sample size is small, the exposure to elite conditions and coaching represents an important step in his development, and a reward for his promise on the domestic and 'A' circuits.

The value of the experience

For all three, the trip is about far more than simply bowling in the nets. Being embedded within the national side allows them to observe how the senior players prepare, absorb tactical insights, and understand the professional habits required to succeed at the highest level.

India have often used such opportunities to blood and nurture their next generation, and this tour offers Dubey, Kotian and Nigam a platform to press their long-term claims, even if immediate game time is unlikely.

An injury-affected build-up

The presence of additional spin options also comes against the backdrop of India's injury concerns. The squad has already been reshaped by the absences of key players, with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out through a knee injury and Washington Sundar missing at least the first Test.

That has placed added emphasis on India's spin resources, making the inclusion of promising young all-rounders in the travelling party a sensible piece of forward planning, both for cover and for development.

The road ahead

India's itinerary begins with a three-day warm-up match in Colombo starting on August 7, offering crucial acclimatisation and match practice. The first Test then gets under way at the Galle International Stadium from August 15, before the series concludes with the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

As the opening assignment of a new World Test Championship cycle, the series carries significant weight, and India will be determined to make a strong start against a Sri Lanka side well-versed in exploiting home conditions.

The final word

India's focused preparation against spin underlines their awareness of the challenge that lies ahead in Sri Lanka. For the senior batters, mastering the turning ball will be key to a successful campaign. For Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam, meanwhile, the tour represents a golden opportunity to learn and grow within the national setup — a reward for their domestic excellence and a potential stepping stone towards higher honours in the future.