Cricketer Learns of India Call-Up at Airport Gate

Harsh Dubey sat impatiently at Chennai airport, frustrated by a flight delay, when his phone rang with news that would change his life forever.

The caller asked for his reaction to making India's cricket squad. Dubey had no idea what he meant.

"I thought he was asking about the India A one-day series in Sri Lanka, so I told him I was one step closer," Dubey said, laughing. Poor network around the boarding gate only added to the confusion.

Before he could settle into his seat, congratulatory messages flooded his phone. Confused, the 23-year-old from Nagpur quickly searched his name online and saw it listed in India's senior national squad for both Tests and ODIs.

"The first thing I saw was my name. I didn't even see the rest of the team," Dubey said. "I didn't know how to react."

His Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates quickly gathered around him for hugs and handshakes. His mother struggled to process the news over the phone.

Even cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan, who works with SRH, wanted to know if Dubey would make the playing XI.

The Ripple Effect

Dubey's journey represents something bigger than one player's success. His breakthrough 2024-25 domestic season with Vidarbha saw him claim a record 69 Ranji Trophy wickets while scoring 476 runs, proving that consistent red-ball cricket still opens doors to the national team.

"I feel if you are doing well anywhere, it doesn't go unnoticed," he said. "Domestic cricket has played a huge role behind this India call-up."

For Vidarbha cricket, the moment carries special weight. Despite winning the Ranji Trophy three times, the central Indian side has produced only one Test cricketer in Umesh Yadav.

"When one of my childhood coaches called, he told me I could become the first Vidarbha player after Umesh bhai to get a Test cap," Dubey said. "I feel a lot of young players will now believe they can play for India through domestic cricket and not only through the IPL."

Dubey credits his rise not just to skill but to maintaining fitness and mental focus. He's learned to stay hungry even after good performances, moving quickly to the next challenge.

For now, one thought stays constant: "This is just the beginning. Real happiness will come if I keep performing for India."