New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) As India gears up for their inaugural home Test series following Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement in December 2024, the spotlight is on whether Washington Sundar can successfully step into the shoes of a legend who profoundly influenced Indian spin bowling over 106 Tests, particularly during an era of home dominance.

Coming off a successful two-match stint with Hampshire in the county championship, Washington recently engaged in a rigorous bowling session in Ahmedabad, effectively sealing his spot in the playing eleven (barring any unforeseen circumstances). Following his remarkable all-round displays during the Test tour of England, Washington is ready to embrace his role in this new post-Ashwin chapter.

“Yes, it’s beneficial for both him and the nation. He's been a part of the plans for more than four or five years; however, he was always in Ashwin’s shadow as an off-spin all-rounder. Now, he has the opportunity to prove himself, which is advantageous for both him and the team,” stated M. Senthilnathan, Washington's childhood coach who first spotted his extraordinary talent at the age of 13 at the MRF Academy in Chennai, in an interview with IANS.

During the match at The Oval, while Mohammed Siraj bowled a devastating yorker that dismantled Gus Atkinson's off-stump and crushed England's hopes of winning the series, it was Washington who set the stage. His invaluable 53 off 46 balls in the second innings provided India with just enough runs to defend against England's aggressive Bazball strategy.

That innings highlighted his cricketing acumen. When the last man, Prasidh Krishna, joined him, Washington was on 17 from 27 balls but then unleashed a flurry of boundaries to quickly reach his fifty, including four massive sixes. He astutely read the game situation, grasped the requirement, and delivered for India.

However, it was at Old Trafford where he truly made his mark. Battling for 206 balls alongside Jadeja, Washington crafted a resilient unbeaten 101, rescuing India from the brink of defeat after rejecting Ben Stokes’ call for an early draw.

To grasp why Washington is ready to step up as India’s next leading off-spinner, one must comprehend the challenges he has faced. Following India's legendary triumph over Australia at the Gabba in 2021, where he scored a pivotal fifty, Washington found himself sidelined for more Tests than he participated in.

Entering this year's England series, he had only played nine Tests. The reasons were clear—India had Ashwin, a luminary, occupying the off-spin role. Nevertheless, Washington was never merely a spinner who could bat a little; his talent warranted more, yet he battled recurring injuries to his finger, hamstring, and shoulder, which hindered his progress.

Throughout these challenges, Senthilnathan consistently reassured him that his time in the Test team would arrive. When Washington finally boarded the flight to England for the Test tour, Senthilnathan prepared him thoroughly, including strategies for avoiding injury. “It was always disheartening. He had to come, train with us and the NCA, and whenever he was here, I kept telling him, ‘Your moment will come. So be prepared, and focus on what you can control,’” he explained.

“When he injured his finger again, it was yet another tough period mentally. I had to remind him, ‘Washi, don’t stress; keep working hard in domestic cricket, and your chance will come. Injuries are beyond your control.’”

“Not playing or being sidelined can lead to significant mental strain. Washington coped well, and during this recent tour, all I needed to emphasize was his preparation and mental focus, especially being mindful of England's conditions,” he elaborated.

What distinguishes Washington is not just his all-round talent; it's how he has refined his game to excel at the highest level. The training he underwent under Senthilnathan’s guidance in Chennai has helped him hone his technique, which shone through in his fluid strokes in Manchester and The Oval.

“Every aspect of his game has improved. He exudes confidence, and most importantly, his aggression is reflected not through words or actions, but through his mindset. Ultimately, he does not give his wicket away easily.”

“These are the qualities that prove to the opposing team rather than engaging in verbal battles on the field. They attempt to disrupt your concentration, but I believe he remains undisturbed, likely growing stronger in the process. He possesses a focused mindset,” he noted.

This characteristic has been evident throughout Washington's career. At the Gabba in 2021, his 62 in the first innings took many by surprise, yet those familiar with his game were not caught off guard. Even when unexpectedly called up for the Pune Test against New Zealand last year, he returned with a seven-wicket haul.

“He’s a determined individual. He doesn't exhibit his intentions through body language but showcases them with bat or ball. This trait is invaluable, especially when opponents try to unsettle him. His performance heavily relies on his confidence.”

Being the sole off-spinner in India’s playing eleven presents challenges that Ashwin made seem effortless. Home pitches may be favorable, but consistently taking wickets and applying pressure on opposition batting orders, series after series, is a skill honed through experience.

Against the West Indies' weakened batting lineup, Washington will face stricter evaluations. Can he pose relentless questions to batters as Ashwin did throughout his illustrious career? Will he apply pressure when required, maximize advantageous conditions, and still perform when the pitch is less conducive?

The Ahmedabad pitch, with some moisture two days prior to the match and recent overcast conditions, might not provide the expected turning track. However, this is precisely the challenge that will define Washington's journey in becoming India's next esteemed off-spinner: the capacity to adapt and contribute, even under less-than-ideal conditions.

As India embarks on its series against the West Indies and enters a new era without Ashwin, all eyes are on Sundar—not as a fringe player biding his time but as the one ready to lead India’s spin attack into the future, poised to shine just as his Chennai predecessor did.

“There’s no room for complacency. Focus should intensify. Past success is merely history. With every match, approach it as if it’s your first game for the country. Each game and innings must be treated with that mindset for success,” concluded Senthilnathan, who will assume the role of Tamil Nadu's head coach in the upcoming domestic season.