BCCI to Discuss Washington Sundar’s Back-Up as India Faces Off-Spinner Shortage

India’s search for a reliable red-ball off-spinner beyond Washington Sundar is set to become a major point of discussion during the BCCI’s upcoming review meeting, with Sundar’s fitness concerns exposing a potential lack of depth in India’s spin-bowling options.

Washington Sundar has emerged as India’s preferred off-spinning all-rounder in Test cricket in recent years, offering control with the ball along with valuable contributions with the bat. However, his recurring fitness concerns have raised an important question for the selectors: who can replace him if he is unavailable?

The issue has gained attention after Sundar was named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Several other players in the squad are also awaiting clearance, highlighting the increasing importance of fitness management in India’s selection process.

Since Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, Sundar has been one of India’s leading off-spin options in Test cricket. However, the current pool of specialist and all-round off-spinners remains relatively limited compared to India’s traditional strength in producing quality spin bowlers.

Saransh Jain has emerged as one possible option. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder earned his Test opportunity following impressive performances in domestic cricket and India A matches. His ability to contribute with both bat and off-spin makes him a potential back-up option for Sundar in red-ball cricket.

Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian is another player being closely watched. Kotian has built a strong first-class record and has consistently contributed with both bat and ball over recent domestic seasons. His performances have strengthened his case as a potential future option for India.

The challenge for selectors is not simply finding another spinner. India already have several players offering different spin-bowling skills, including leg-spin and left-arm spin options. The bigger challenge is identifying an off-spinning all-rounder capable of providing control in Test cricket while also contributing useful runs lower down the batting order.

India have historically produced some of the game’s finest off-spinners, including Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, the current generation does not yet have a clearly established succession line beyond Sundar.

With major Test assignments ahead, including a home series against Australia, the BCCI and selectors are expected to closely examine India’s red-ball spin resources. Saransh Jain and Tanush Kotian have strengthened their cases, while younger domestic players could also enter the conversation.

For now, Washington Sundar remains India’s first-choice off-spin option. But his fitness situation has made one thing increasingly clear: India needs to build a stronger pool of red-ball off-spinners before the lack of depth becomes a bigger problem.