4 Bowlers Who Can Replace Ashwin In Tests

A decade-long era in Indian Cricket came to an end when India's ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it quits after the end of the 3rd test at the Gabba that ended in a stalemate due to persistent rains.

Ashwin's decision to retire in the middle of the series raised eyebrows & sparked concerns of a possible rift within the Indian group. Now, the major task for Rohit Sharma & Gautam Gambhir is to look for an ideal replacement for probably one of India's finest spinners.

Who could be the ideal replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin? Let's have a look at the four possible candidates who can replace Ravichandran Ashwin in tests.

Bowlers Who Can Replace Ashwin In Tests?

1. Washington Sundar

Probably one of the front-runners to fill in the shoes of Ravichandran Ashwin is none other than his Tamil Nadu teammate Washington Sundar. Sundar has emerged as a great candidate for Team India in recent times, especially in tests & T20I format of the game. Sundar's ability to wag with the tail lower down the order and add crucial runs is second to none, while, his recent bowling heroics at Pune against New Zealand ensured that he is in the eye of the selectors, captain & the coach.

Sundar has played just 7 tests for India, but, in those limited opportunities, he has given some memorable performances. In just the 7 games Sundar has picked up 24 wickets at an average of 23.92. On the batting front, Sundar has scored 387 runs in tests for India with the highest score being 96* not out against England.

2. Tanush Kotian

Tanush Kotian is another ideal option for Team India to look after Ashwin. Kotian is that type of bowling all-rounder who can chip in with crucial runs lower down the order, just what Ashwin used to do for India.

Kotian has scalped 101 wickets in 33 first-class matches at an average of 25.70 and was part of the India A squad that toured Australia ahead of the BGT. Kotian has also accumulated 1525 runs at an impressive average of 41.21 with 2 centuries & 13 fifties. His good numbers can help him to put his CV into the kitty.

3. Axar Patel

Along with Washington Sundar, Axar Patel could be the other frontline bowler who can replace Ravichandran Ashwin in test cricket. Axar Patel made his test debut against England at Ahmedabad in 2021. In 14 test matches, Axar Patel has already picked up above 50 test wickets (55) at an impressive average of 19.35. On the batting front, Axar has accumulated 646 runs with the highest score being 84. Axar's lower-order contribution helped India to claim a come-from-behind win in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in the second test at Delhi.

Axar is not only a gun batter or bowler but also a good fielder on the field, with an aging Indian team his fielding skills along with Ravindra Jadeja can make India also a good fielding side. Hence, if not Sundar, Axar could be the guy on the radar for Rohit & Co. in a bid to find a replacement for Ashwin.

4. R Sai Kishore

Sai Kishore could be another option to form a spin quartet for home tests. Sai Kishore has played 43 first-class matches, picking up 172 wickets at an average of 24.38. On the batting front, Kishore has smacked 756 runs with the highest scoring being 81.