3 Indian spinners who can be India’s mainstays in home Test matches for India after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement

Ravichandran Ashwin has created a huge void in Indian cricket with his retirement announcement. For over a decade, he was the world’s best Test spinner and a useful batter in addition to it. It’s not easy to replace someone like him, especially in the longest format of the game. Ashwin was the key reason behind India’s dominance at home for 12 years.

India will be looking for replacements after his retirement. With Ravindra Jadeja potentially retiring in the upcoming years, India must be looking for long-term replacements. They already have some players who can be backed for the next 4-5 years at home. Most of them can bat and provide a similar option as Ashwin. While it will be difficult to pull off what Ashwin did, they might prove to be able replacements.

Here are the three Indian spinners who could be in India’s Test XI as the spinners at home in the next few years:

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has had a good 2024 as an All-rounder. Both in Tests and T20Is, he has proved himself as someone who could be banked in multiple roles. While he has yet to evolve as a genuine wicket-taker outside of home, Sundar can be trusted at home. With the bat, he is one of the best options lower down the order.

Sundar was India’s best bowler in the home series against New Zealand. It would’ve given him a lot of confidence, especially after being in and out of the XI for the last three years. He could actually be Ashwin’s straight replacement considering the right-arm off spin option. His exposure against the top teams is a bonus.

Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been a regular in the Indian Test team for four years now. While Patel hasn’t been a genuine wicket-taker in the last three years, he can be trusted to deliver the goods with the experience on his back. With the bat, he is one of the best options lower down the order and can make a difference in the match.

Axar does not possess a lot of variations. Neither can he spin the ball a lot regularly. However, his accuracy and arm ball can still be a threat to the batters. Southpaws will find it difficult to score runs against him. As a package, he can do well and might well be Jadeja’s replacement in the next few years.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is undoubtedly the most promising option for India as an out-and-out spinner. Skill-wise, he might actually be better than Ashwin. Kuldeep can spin the ball either way on the flattest of surfaces. For a Chinaman spinner to be successful in Tests is a huge deal. He can bat a bit as well lower down the order.

Kuldeep had a brilliant 2024 as a Test bowler. Despite the presence of regular spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar, he was the standout spinner in the series against England. While he got injured in the series against New Zealand, Kuldeep can return to the side to resume his duties as the leader of the spin attack.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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