IND vs SA: Revealed- Why Ravichandran Ashwin Is Not Playing Today's Match vs South Africa And Who Has Replaced Him?

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been excluded from the playing XI for the second and final Test match against South Africa. Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has replaced Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s lineup for the New Year’s Test in South Africa.

Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s first-choice spin bowler in overseas conditions over the past few years. However, the left-arm spinner was ruled out of the recent Test due to upper back spasms. Jadeja’s last appearance in a Test match in South Africa was a decade ago.

Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the most economical bowler for India, despite the unfavorable conditions for spinners. The bowler took one wicket for 41 runs in his 19 overs. However, he struggled to make an impact with the bat, posting scores of 8 and 0.

Ravindra Jadeja Come Back For Ravichandran Ashwin – Rohit Sharma

Speaking at the toss, Rohit Sharma confirmed that Ravichandran Ashwin has been dropped from the squad and replaced by Ravindra Jadeja, who has successfully recovered from injury.

“Would’ve batted first as well. Looks a good pitch. We understand the challenge of batting first on that pitch, but nevertheless, there will be enough in the pitch for the seamers, so hopefully we’ll cash in on it. Important to forget what’s happened in the past. We understand the importance of getting runs on the board, and getting 20 wickets. Didn’t happen in the first game but we’re upbeat about what we can achieve here. Two changes. Jadeja comes back for Ashwin. Shardul misses out, Mukesh Kumar replaces him,” Rohit said.

Jadeja’s last Test appearance in South Africa was in 2013, where he recorded notable bowling figures of 6-138 in Durban. It is worth mentioning that the spinner was also unavailable for the three-match Test series during India’s last tour of South Africa in 2021-22.

India faced a significant setback, suffering an innings and 32-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. Shardul Thakur emerged as the most expensive bowler for the visiting side, securing just one wicket for 101 runs in 19 overs during South Africa’s innings.

India vs South Africa Playing XI

Veteran opener Dean Elgar is leading the Proteas side in his final Test match, with Temba Bavuma ruled out with a hamstring strain. The home team won the toss and opted to bat first in Cape Town. They made three changes to their lineup from the previous game.

Young pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against India due to pelvic inflammation. Young batter Tristan Stubbs received his maiden Test cap, replacing Temba Bavuma. Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi returned to the squad for the last game.

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar

South Africa: Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Also read: IND vs SA: Ravichandran Ashwin Dropped! Sunil Gavaskar Makes 2 Changes To India XI For Second Test