Ravichandran Ashwin backs Saransh Jain after maiden India call-up, questions Washington Sundar's role in Test team

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Saransh Jain following the all-rounder's maiden India call-up, saying the Madhya Pradesh cricketer has earned the opportunity through consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Saransh was included in India's squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka after Washington Sundar was ruled out with an injury. The left-handed batter and off-spinner has been rewarded after impressing in the domestic circuit and during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka.

The 33-year-old played a key role in Madhya Pradesh's Ranji Trophy triumph under Chandrakant Pandit and further strengthened his case by scoring an unbeaten 70 and picking up six wickets across two matches for India A in Sri Lanka.

Ashwin praised Saransh's unique style of off-spin bowling and described him as a wicket-taking bowler. While acknowledging the strong competition in India's spin department, the veteran spinner hoped Saransh would get an opportunity to prove himself at the international level.

"I am very happy for him. I have seen him. I think very highly of him. He bowls wide off the crease. He attacks. He is a different type of off-spinner. His job is to take wickets. He has done a very commendable job. I hope he gets a chance. Manav will play. Jadeja and Kuldeep will play, so he might have to sit out too. But I really hope because he has it in him to perform," he said on Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin also shared his views on Washington Sundar, stating that the all-rounder has often been judged without having a clearly defined role in the Indian Test side.

The former India spinner said the team management must decide whether Sundar is being picked primarily as a batter or as one of the frontline bowlers. According to Ashwin, defining that role is crucial for Sundar's long-term success and would also help avoid unnecessary criticism.

"Sundar's performance has been good. But again, in Test cricket, I want to ask Sundar's role definition. He is a very good batter, I agree. More than handy spinner. But India has to decide and communicate to Sundar what is his first role. Is he a top six batter or is he one of my top 4 bowlers? He is a match-winning bowler. He has to bat in the top six. If I am there, I am going to tell him to bat in the top six. It is important to define his role. If India loses, the question will come whether he is a batter or a bowler. He gets criticised, but I would question how he has been used," he explained.

Saransh's inclusion marks a major milestone in his career after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket.