In a significant development for Indian cricket, star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of the game on December 18, 2024.
With a remarkable career that spanned over a decade, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest spin bowlers in Test history, having taken 537 wickets in 106 matches. His departure has prompted discussions about potential replacements in the Indian Test squad, particularly as the team prepares for upcoming games.
Three potential replacements of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian Test team
1) Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is widely regarded as one of the most suitable candidates to fill Ashwin’s shoes. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been a consistent performer in limited-overs cricket and has shown glimpses of his talent in Tests as well. With 34 wickets in 14 Test matches at an impressive average of 23.44, Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball sharply and his variations make him a valuable asset for the Indian team. His experience in international cricket and ability to perform under pressure position him as a top contender to take over Ashwin’s role.
2) Washington Sundar
Another strong candidate is Washington Sundar, who has already made his mark in Test cricket. The off-spinner debuted against Australia in 2021 and has since contributed significantly with both bat and ball. With 24 wickets and 387 runs from just seven Tests, Sundar has demonstrated his all-round capabilities, similar to Ashwin. His selection over Ashwin for the first Test of the ongoing series against Australia indicates that the management views him as a key player for the future. Sundar’s proficiency with the bat adds depth to the lower order, making him an ideal replacement.
Also READ: Complete list of five-wicket hauls and centuries by Ravichandran Ashwin in international cricket
3) Tanush Kotian
Emerging talent Tanush Kotian is another name being discussed as a potential successor to Ashwin. The right-arm off-spinner has made waves in domestic cricket, showcasing his skills during the Ranji Trophy and other competitions. His ability to take wickets consistently and contribute with the bat makes him a promising option for the national team. Although he is relatively inexperienced at the international level, Kotian’s performances in domestic circuits suggest he could be ready to step up when called upon.
Context of Ashwin’s retirement
Ashwin’s decision to retire comes after a challenging period where he faced increased competition for places within the squad. Despite being India’s leading spinner for many years, recent selections indicated a shift towards younger players like Sundar. Addressing the reporters in Brisbane, the 38-year-old spinner expressed that there’s a bit left in him as a cricketer, but he would like to exploit it at the domestic and club-level.
Also READ: List of records created by Ravichandran Ashwin in the international cricket