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Ravichandran Ashwin has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the latest bowler to surpass 500 Test wickets at the starting of this year. This monumental achievement underscores his exceptional skill and longevity in cricket, cementing his place as one of India’s greatest spinners. At 37, Ashwin continues to be a crucial player for India, contributing significantly with the ball and serving as a senior mentor to younger teammates. His impressive performance reflects his enduring excellence in the sport.
India’s spin department after Ravichandran Ashwin
As Ashwin nears the end of his illustrious career, the Indian cricketing fraternity faces the challenge of finding a suitable successor. Ashwin’s milestone of 500 Test wickets not only highlights his unmatched contributions but also creates a significant void that needs to be filled. The focus will shift towards identifying and nurturing young spin bowlers who can emulate Ashwin’s impact. Developing talent through domestic cricket and emerging pathways will be vital for maintaining the strength of India’s spin department in the future.
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Searching for the next off-spinner: Transitioning the legacy
Ashwin has long been the premier off-spinner for Indian cricket, delivering exceptional performances across formats. However, with his advancing age, there is a pressing need to find a successor who can step into his shoes. Having played 100 Tests, Ashwin has taken 516 wickets at an average of 23.75, including 36 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match performances. The search for the next off-spinner is already underway, with emerging talents like being tested in domestic cricket and the A tours.
Future prospects: Dinesh Karthik names the front-runner
In the quest for a new off-spinner, Washington Sundar is emerging as a leading candidate. According to Dinesh Karthik, during the recent India ‘A’ series against England Lions, three off-spinners – Pulkit Narang, Sundar and Saransh Jain – were trialed. Speaking to the Cricbuzz, Karthik suggested that Sundar is currently the front-runner, having performed well in the limited opportunities he has had. His progress indicates that he might be the first choice to succeed Ashwin, reflecting India’s strategic approach to ensuring a smooth transition in their spin department.
“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. 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,” Karthik said.
