Dinesh Karthik recently shared his thoughts on who could potentially succeed Ravichandran Ashwin as Team India's next premier off-spinner.
Over the years, Ashwin has solidified his position as India’s go-to off-spinner, particularly in Test cricket, where he ranks as the country’s second-highest wicket-taker. Earlier this year, Ashwin crossed the 500-wicket milestone in Tests, joining Anil Kumble in this elite club. However, with Ashwin nearing 38, the Indian team management is aware that the time is approaching to identify his successor for a seamless transition in the spin department.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes Washington Sundar is the frontrunner to take over from Ashwin when the time comes. Acknowledging the need for a successor, Karthik emphasised that Sundar has the skills and temperament necessary to step into the prominent role as India’s next off-spin ace.
"India is certainly on the lookout for a next-gen off-spinner, as we saw in recent India ‘A’ series against England Lions, where they tested three off-spinners in three matches: Pulkit Narang, Washington Sundar, and Saransh Jain," Karthik said during an interview with Cricbuzz.
"Sundar is the main contender behind Ashwin right now. He’s done well in the limited opportunities he’s received, and I believe he will get his chance first before anyone else," Karthik added.
Washington Sundar, who has represented India in all three formats, most recently featured in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Despite being just 24 years old, he has already played 49 T20Is and 22 ODIs. However, his last Test appearance was over three years ago during India’s home series against England.
Sundar’s lack of consistent Test opportunities can be attributed to the presence of Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and the emergence of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Additionally, Ashwin and Axar’s contributions with the bat made it difficult for Sundar to secure a spot purely based on his all-round abilities.
Nonetheless, Sundar made a significant impact during India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2021. In the absence of key players due to injuries, Sundar delivered a remarkable all-round performance on his Test debut in Brisbane. He picked up four crucial wickets (including three in the first innings) and scored a vital 62 in the first innings, helping India recover from a tough position and ultimately securing a memorable three-wicket victory to clinch the series 2-1.
As Team India looks to the future, Sundar’s versatility and potential make him a strong candidate to fill Ashwin’s shoes when the veteran off-spinner eventually steps aside.