Four star spinners who could break into the India Test team after R Ashwin

New Delhi: India’s leading off-spinner, R. Ashwin, declared his retirement following the fifth day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy third Test in Brisbane. The 38-year-old concluded his career with 537 Test wickets, ranking second behind Anil Kumble’s 619, along with 156 wickets in ODIs and 71 in T20Is. He also accumulated 3,503 runs in Test cricket at an average of 25.75, which included six centuries.

Given Ashwin’s crucial contribution to home Test matches, India needs to find a replacement. Here are four spinners who could take his place in the Test squad:

Washington Sundar
Of all the candidates on this list, Washington Sundar seems to be the most similar replacement and a preferred option for the present Indian coaching staff. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was selected ahead of Ashwin for the first BGT Test in Perth, but his involvement with the ball was minimal.

Sundar’s abilities with the bat help maintain the team’s balance, a key factor in India’s success at home over the past decade. The off-spinner has claimed 24 wickets and accumulated 387 runs in seven Tests, providing the added option of batting higher in the order if needed.

Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav, an experienced player with 106 ODIs and 40 T20Is to his credit, has surprisingly played only 13 Tests over the course of seven years. The 30-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner has proven to be highly efficient in the longest format, claiming 56 wickets at a remarkable average of 22.16, which includes four five-wicket hauls.

Kuldeep’s primary challenge in earning a consistent place in the playing XI has been the absence of significant lower-order contributions from him and the fast bowlers. However, he has made notable progress with the bat. With Nitish Reddy also impressing in red-ball cricket, India might look at including both in the playing XI for home Tests as possible replacements for the retiring Ashwin.

Tanush Kotian
Another off-spinner gaining attention at the domestic level is Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian. The 26-year-old fits the profile of a bowling all-rounder, a role that seamlessly fills the gap created by Ashwin’s retirement.

Kotian has claimed 101 wickets in 33 first-class matches, averaging 25.70, and was included in the India A squad for their tour of Australia before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the bat, he has accumulated 1,525 runs at an outstanding average of 41.21, including two centuries and thirteen half-centuries, demonstrating his capacity to make valuable contributions in both areas.

Axar Patel
Axar Patel has been India’s third-choice spinner in home Test series over the past few years. The 30-year-old has been exceptionally effective, claiming 55 wickets in 14 matches at a remarkable average of 19.34. Furthermore, he has scored 646 runs with the bat at an impressive average of 35.88, showcasing his all-round skills.

Despite his impressive statistics, Axar’s resemblance to Ravindra Jadeja has been the primary factor behind his omission. Having two left-arm spinners means India would lose a bowler capable of turning the ball away from right-handed batsmen.