The cricketing world was left in awe when R Ashwin, one of India’s most cerebral and effective spin bowlers, announced his retirement from international cricket. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Indian team, particularly in Test cricket where his tactical acumen and ability to take wickets have been pivotal. With Ashwin’s exit, the focus now shifts to who can step up to fill these large shoes. Here, we delve into two bowlers who could potentially take over from where R Ashwin left off: Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.
Washington Sundar:
Washington Sundar has already made a name for himself as a young all-rounder capable of contributing significantly with both bat and ball. His off-spin, while not as varied or as experienced as Ashwin’s, shows promise. Sundar’s strengths lie in his accuracy and the ability to bowl long spells, which could be crucial in Test matches. His height allows him to extract bounce, often making it difficult for batsmen to play forward on the front foot.
His batting has shown remarkable growth, with his ability to play both defensively and aggressively, depending on the match situation. This versatility makes him an asset in the lower middle order, a role R Ashwin often played effectively. Sundar’s experience in T20 cricket, particularly in the IPL, has prepared him well for the pressures of international cricket. His performances in the Australian series and against England have highlighted his potential, where he not only picked up key wickets but also contributed with the bat, often in trying circumstances.
However, Sundar’s relative inexperience in Test cricket compared to Ashwin’s extensive record poses a challenge. The transition from limited-overs cricket to the longer format requires a nuanced understanding of the game’s ebb and flow, which Sundar is still learning. His economy rate in Tests is yet to match Ashwin’s, but there’s clear potential for him to develop further, especially with mentorship from the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and the coaching staff.
Axar Patel:
Axar Patel represents another compelling choice to replace R Ashwin, bringing a different dimension to the attack with his left-arm orthodox spin. His bowling style complements Jadeja’s, providing variety with his quicker deliveries and the ability to turn the ball sharply on helpful pitches. Patel has shown he can be a match-winner; his performances in home conditions have been particularly noteworthy, where he has often outshone even R Ashwin in certain series.
Axar’s batting has also improved significantly over the years, making him a genuine all-rounder. His ability to bat up the order or down, depending on the team’s need, adds depth to the Indian lineup, much like R Ashwin did. His recent IPL performances with the Gujarat Titans have demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure, which is invaluable in Test cricket.
One of the criticisms of Patel has been his performance overseas, where he hasn’t been as effective. However, with more exposure and experience, there’s optimism that he can adapt and replicate his domestic success on more challenging pitches. His accuracy and the ability to bowl long spells could be key in maintaining control over the innings, aspects that R Ashwin excelled in.
The retirement of R Ashwin necessitates not just a tactical rethink but also a cultural shift within the team. Both Sundar and Patel bring different attributes to the table, and their success will depend on how well they can adapt to the strategic roles R Ashwin played. The Indian team management will need to nurture these talents, ensuring they are not just replacements but evolve into players who can define their own legacy.
In terms of strategy, the team might lean towards utilizing both spinners, considering their distinct bowling styles. This could lead to interesting team compositions, especially in home conditions where spin has traditionally been king. The challenge will be to maintain the balance that R Ashwin brought – not just in terms of wickets but in dictating the pace of the game.
Furthermore, with Ashwin’s retirement, there’s an opportunity for younger spinners in the domestic circuit to rise. Names like Kuldeep Yadav could also come into the conversation, although not discussed here, as they look to make their mark on the international stage.
No one can truly replace Ravichandran Ashwin, both Washington Sundar and Axar Patel stand as promising candidates to take forward the legacy of spin in Indian cricket. Their journey will be watched with keen interest by fans and critics alike, eager to see how they shape their roles in this new era of Indian cricket without one of its spin maestros. The future of Indian spin bowling is in capable hands, but it will require patience, support, and strategic gameplay to see these young talents flourish as Ashwin did.
