'I believe Ashwin is better than Shardul Thakur' - Former India World Cup winner backs Ravichandran Ashwin to play over Shardul Thakur in Cape Town

In the lead-up to the second Test against South Africa, the former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth advocated for the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in India's playing XI, even with the return of Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin had played in the first Test due to Jadeja's back spasm, creating a dilemma with Jadeja back in training. In Centurion, Ashwin stood out as India's most economical bowler, giving away only 41 runs in 19 overs and claiming one wicket.

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The former India opener recommended Ashwin's inclusion over Shardul Thakur, highlighting the spin duo's ability to exert pressure on the Proteas batters. Despite India choosing a four-man pace attack in the initial Test, the former Indian opener proposed that Ashwin could form an effective partnership with Jadeja, offering economical spells and presenting challenges for the South African lineup in the upcoming Cape Town 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 (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,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel.

I will drop Shardul Thakur: Kris Srikkanth

The second and final Test is slated to commence on January 3 in Cape Town. It will present an opportunity for Team India to make adjustments in their Playing XI in pursuit of levelling the series. Contemplating the team dynamics, the Srikkanth also stressed the importance of fairness and cautioned against hastily excluding Prasidh Krishna after just one game. However, there were reservations about Thakur's suitability, hinting at a possible alteration in the Indian lineup before the crucial second encounter.

“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 concluded.