Harsh Dubey: Vidarbha youngster makes history with record-breaking wicket haul in Ranji Trophy final against Kerala

Dubey has broken Bihar’s Ashutosh Aman's record of 68 wickets in the 2018-19 season with an impressive tally of 69* wickets. What makes Dubey's feat even more remarkable is that his wickets have come against top-tier Elite Group opposition, unlike Aman's wickets in the Plate Group. Dubey's exceptional bowling has been a key factor in Vidarbha's successful campaign, with his consistent match-winning performances leading them to the final.

The left-arm spinner’s dominance was evident in the semi-final against Mumbai, where he secured his seventh five-wicket haul of the season – joint-most in a season among Elite Group bowlers.

His consistency has placed him among the elite, as he joins the ranks of Jaydev Unadkat (67), Bishan Singh Bedi (64), Kanwaljit Singh (62), and Dodda Ganesh (62) in the all-time Ranji wicket charts.

Most wickets in a Ranji season69* - Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha, 2024/25)68 – Ashutosh Aman (Bihar, 2018/19)67 – Jaydev Unadkat (Saurashtra, 2019/20)64 – Bishan Singh Bedi (Delhi, 1974/75)62 – Dodda Ganesh (Karnataka, 1998/99

Dubey’s influence extends beyond his wicket-taking prowess. He has also contributed significantly with the bat, amassing 472 runs in 17 innings, including five half-centuries. This rare all-round feat places him in an exclusive club of Ranji cricketers who have scored over 450 runs and taken more than 50 wickets in a single season. Only Sunil Joshi (1995-96), Gurinder Singh (2018-19), and R Sanjay Yadav (2019-20) have previously achieved this milestone.

Dubey's journey

Despite his staggering numbers, Dubey’s journey to the top has been unconventional. In an interview with Indian Express, Dubey had revealed he stumbled upon cricket as a child when a wrong turn led him and his father to a cricket academy while on their way to buy schoolbooks

He had stints in Chennai’s TNCA first-division league, where he honed his craft on slow turners and flat pitches. He also benefited from interactions with Indian great R Ashwin, further refining his skills.

Yet, despite finishing as Vidarbha’s leading wicket-taker last season, Dubey was overlooked for the Duleep Trophy in September 2024. With his name now inscribed in Ranji Trophy folklore, Dubey has firmly announced himself as one of India’s most promising spin talents.

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