IND vs SA: "Ravichandran Ashwin Is Better Than Shardul Thakur.."- K Srikkanth

As India look to bounce back in the upcoming second Test against South Africa, former batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has backed Ravichandran Ashwin to retain his place in the playing eleven.

India are expected to make a few changes to their playing eleven after the humiliating defeat in the first Test in Centurion. South Africa thrashed the Rohit Sharma-led side by an innings and 32 runs inside three days to take an unassailable lead in the two-match series.

Ravichandran Ashwin played in the first Test but is expected to be dropped for Ravindra Jadeja who missed the series opener due to a back spasm. The Tamil Nadu star failed to make much of an impact in the game. In 19 overs, he managed to pick up just 1 wicket for 41 runs. With the bat, Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed for 8 and 0.

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Krishnamachari Srikkanth backs Ravichandran Ashwin to play second Test:

While Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to be left out of India’s playing eleven for the second Test, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said the veteran spinner should play the game instead of Shardul Thakur. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said he would play Ashwin over Shardul because the spinner would be able to combine with Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test.

“I will still play Ashwin. I believe Ashwin is better than Shardul Thakur. I will play Ashwin in place of Shardul. Even if he doesn’t pick up five-wicket hauls, he will pick up a couple. Probably, he will combine well with Jadeja and bowl tight lines. These two can work together and pick up 4-5 wickets, you never know. That should be enough, he would have done his job,” said Srikkanth.

“If at all you are going to make their batters struggle, you do have an opportunity with your spinners. You can beat them in flight, you can try something like that. I will drop Shardul Thakur. Prasidh Krishna, if you drop him now, it’s unfair. He has played one Test only. It’s unfair to drop anyone after their debut. Shardul Thakur does not fit the bill,” Srikkanth added.

Thakur had a poor outing in the first Test too. He conceded 101 runs in just 19 overs and managed to pick up 1 wicket. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to be played on January 3 in Cape Town.

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