India, Oct. 29 -- For over a decade the India off-spinner's berth was a no-admittance zone. R Ashwin was that good. It's been close to two years since India's second-highest Test wicket-taker has retired. As is often the case, filling into such giant boots takes time.

Washington Sundar, who would out-bowl Ashwin towards the back-end of the spin legend's career, has been the strongest claimant. But, not entirely on the heft of his bowling. In his 18 Tests, the Tamil Nadu off-spinner has proved to be a solid batting resource in the lower-middle order, averaging 44. With the ball, the off-spinner has had a few standout spells - Test debut in Brisbane, a coming-of-age 11-wicket Test in Pune against New Zealand, use of drift for his four wick...