Tanush Kotian, Harsh Dubey and Vipraj Nigam will travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka as net bowlers for the upcoming two-Test series.

While they are unlikely to feature in the playing XI, unless absolutely necessary, the tour is a significant step in the development of three of the country’s brightest spin-bowling all-rounders.

Kotian has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket over the last two seasons. The Mumbai off-spinner, who has already been around the Indian setup, continues to remain in the selectors’ plans thanks to his consistency with both bat and ball.

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Vidarbha’s Dubey forced his way into the spotlight after an outstanding Ranji Trophy campaign. The left-arm spinner finished as one of the season’s leading wicket-takers while also making valuable lower-order contributions, establishing himself as a genuine all-round option.

Nigam, meanwhile, is the youngest of the three. The leg-spinning all-rounder impressed with his fearless performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before carrying that confidence into domestic cricket.

He travelled to Sri Lanka with India-A team in June-July and impressed with his all-round skills. His ability to turn the ball both ways and contribute with the bat has made him one of the more exciting prospects in the system.

Taking promising domestic performers on overseas tours as net bowlers has become an important part of India’s development programme. It allows young cricketers to train alongside international players, work with the coaching staff and experience the demands of the highest level before they eventually receive a senior call-up.

For Kotian, Dubey and Nigam, the Sri Lanka tour may not bring an India cap, but it is another indication that they are firmly being monitored by the national selectors.