"It's a little premature" - Sanjay Manjrekar on Washington Sundar being touted as Ravichandran Ashwin's successor in Tests

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the chatter around spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar potentially being veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's successor is premature. He opined that it doesn't seem like Ashwin's retirement is near.

Manjrekar suggested that there hasn't been a dip in Ashwin's performances and backed the seasoned campaigner to be the Men in Blue's lead spinner in home Tests. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, the cricketer-turned-commentator said:

"This is the second time that I'm hearing we looking beyond Ashwin and to be very honest, in that series against Bangladesh and the one before that and even in the first Test, I just don't see a bowler whose end is near or you start looking out for a replacement yet. I think it's a little premature. Especially in Indian conditions, I think he'll continue to have enough for quite a bit of time to come."

Sundar shone with the ball on Day 1 of India's ongoing second Test against New Zealand. The crafty spinner bagged a stunning seven-wicket haul. Ashwin, on the other hand, claimed three wickets.

The visitors were bundled out for 259. India lost skipper Rohit Sharma early for a duck and were 16/1 at stumps.

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"There is promise" - Sanjay Manjrekar on Washington Sundar's bowling exploits in IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test

In the aforementioned video, Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Washington Sundar has the qualities required for a spinner to succeed on Indian pitches.

He emphasized that Sundar's accuracy and quick bowling speed make him a force to reckon with on the turning pitches. Lauding the 25-year-old, Manjrekar said:

"Washi has started off well but it is just one performance. What you need really, although it seems like it's easier to turn up and bowl on turning pitches, then you wonder why foreign spinners don't get as much from the pitch.

"So, you need to have certain qualities that Washi showed which is quick, accurate and just little variation to get those wickets because the pitches are always going to help. So, yes, by just one sample that we've seen in this game, there is promise there."

It is worth mentioning that Sundar was initially not named in India's squad for the ongoing three-match home Test series against New Zealand. He was added to the lineup after the home team suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the opening encounter in Bengaluru.