5 min readLucknowJun 16, 2026 08:18 PM IST ‘Transition’ is probably the most frequently used word in the context of Indian cricket these days. The national selectors, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, are ringing in the changes to find out who has the ability to step into big shoes. It’s no surprise that along with batting and pace bowling, spin bowling is also getting a lot of attention, with the ongoing series against Afghanistan the perfect stage for trial to avoid possible errors in the future. With Ravichandran Ashwin long gone and attempts underway to find a successor for Ravindra Jadeja as well, the one-off Test and the three-ODI series is an audition of sorts for Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey. Kuldeep Yadav is the only senior spinner in the squad, with Axar Patel rested as well. And on the evidence of the two games, the two left-arm spinners haven’t done their long-term prospects any harm. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule is suitably impressed. “This is a transition time for spinners. I feel …