Who is Ravichandran Ashwin's replacement in the Indian team? Check details

Ravichandran Ashwin, a stalwart of Indian cricket, has long been the cornerstone of the team’s spin attack, particularly in Test matches. Following the retirement of veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh, Ashwin stepped into the role and has since become a leading figure in Indian cricket, amassing 100 Test appearances and continuing to perform at a high level despite being 37 years old. As Ashwin approaches the later stages of his career, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on who might be his successor. Ashwin's last One Day International (ODI) appearance came during the 2023 World Cup against Australia, where he did not feature again after the initial match. Similarly, his most recent Twenty20 International (T20I) was in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022 against England. With white-ball formats seeming to be out of his immediate future, Ashwin is expected to focus on the upcoming red-ball series against Bangladesh.

Karthik has suggested that Washington Sundar is a strong candidate to step into Ashwin’s shoes as India’s next-generation spinner. Sundar’s potential and performance in domestic and international cricket position him as a likely successor in India’s spin department. As Ashwin’s career winds down, Sundar’s emergence could mark a new chapter in India’s spin bowling legacy, continuing the tradition of exceptional finger spinners for the team.

“India are definitely looking for a next-gen off-spinner, as in last India ‘A’ series against England Lions, they tried three off-spinners in three matches: Pulkit Narang, Washington Sundar and Saransh Jain,” said former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik in a recent interview. 

“They are trying out and Washington Sundar is the front-runner behind Ravichandran Ashwin right now. He’s done well in whatever limited opportunities he’s got and I feel he will get his due first before going to anybody else,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin has established himself as one of India’s premier Test bowlers, having played 100 Test matches and claimed 516 wickets. This impressive tally places him second on the list of all-time highest wicket-takers among Indian bowlers, behind only Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets from 132 Tests. Ashwin's remarkable record comes with a bowling average of 23.75 and a strike rate of 50.71, underscoring his effectiveness and consistency on the field.

In addition to his significant contributions with the ball, Ashwin has also been a valuable asset with the bat. He has accumulated 3,309 runs in 141 innings, averaging 26.26, and has scored five centuries during his career. His ability to contribute crucial runs lower down the order has often provided vital support in tight situations.

Ashwin’s dual role as both a prolific wicket-taker and a reliable lower-order batsman has made him an integral part of the Indian Test team. As he approaches the latter stages of his career, his achievements continue to highlight his exceptional skill and versatility. His impact on the game has set a high standard, and his legacy as one of India’s greatest Test cricketers is firmly established.