With Ravichandran Ashwin announcing his retirement from international cricket, the Indian cricket team faces the challenge of finding a suitable successor to fill the significant void left by one of its greatest spinners.
Ashwin, who has taken 537 wickets in Test matches, has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack for over a decade.
As the team looks to the future, here are three players who could emerge as the next Ashwin for India: Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel.
1. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is widely regarded as one of the top contenders to succeed Ashwin in the Indian cricket setup.
At just 24 years old, Sundar has already made a name for himself across all formats, showcasing his skills as an all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an ideal candidate to take on a more prominent role in Test cricket.
Sundar’s performances in domestic cricket have been impressive; he recently scored an outstanding 152 in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi and took seven wickets in that game, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.
He has already made a mark in international cricket, particularly during India’s historic Test series win in Australia, where he played a crucial role in the iconic Gabba Test by scoring 62 runs and taking important wickets.
With Ashwin’s retirement, Sundar is expected to receive more opportunities to establish himself as India’s leading spinner. His versatility and experience in various conditions make him a strong candidate to lead India’s spin attack moving forward.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
Another strong contender is Kuldeep Yadav, who has been on the radar as a potential successor to Ashwin for some time. Known for his unique left-arm wrist-spin bowling, Kuldeep has the ability to deceive batsmen and take crucial wickets. Despite facing stiff competition in the spin department, he has shown flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities.
Kuldeep’s recent performances have been promising; he took three wickets in his last Test appearance against New Zealand and has been part of India’s ODI and T20 setups as well.
However, he has often found himself sidelined due to the presence of established spinners like Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. With Ashwin retiring, Kuldeep could find himself with more chances to showcase his talent in Test cricket, especially in conditions that favor spin.
His experience playing in various T20 leagues around the world will also help him adapt quickly to different conditions and opposition, making him a strong contender for a regular spot in the Test lineup.
3. Axar Patel
Axar Patel is another player who could step into Ashwin’s shoes as India’s premier spinner. The left-arm orthodox spinner has made significant contributions with both bat and ball since his debut. He is known for his accuracy and ability to contain runs while taking wickets at crucial moments.
Axar’s performances in home conditions have been particularly impressive; he played a key role during India’s successful home series against England and has consistently delivered when called upon. His ability to bat down the order adds depth to the team, making him a valuable asset.
However, Axar’s recent exclusion from some squads raises questions about his standing within the team hierarchy. Despite this, he remains a strong candidate due to his experience and proven track record.
