Even though R Ashwin got only one wicket in the first India vs. South Africa Test, former chief selector Kris Srikkanth feels that he should be played in the second Test too.
Former chief selector of team India, Kris Srikkanth, is of the opinion that R. Ashwin should be persisted with in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The legendary player added that, instead of four fast bowlers, India should play two spinners—Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin—while Shardul Thakur should be kept out.
Srikkanth, on his YouTube channel, said, “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 of wickets. 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.”
He added, “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 only one test. It’s unfair to drop anyone after their debut. Shardul Thakur does not fit the bill.”
