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Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a former Indian batter, has voiced his support for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to be included in the Indian team over fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur for the upcoming second Test against South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. This suggestion comes in the wake of India's significant loss in the first Test of the series.
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India faced a substantial defeat at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, losing to the Proteas by an innings and 32 runs. This loss was a setback to India's ambition of securing their first bilateral Test series win in South Africa, a feat they have yet to achieve in their cricketing history. In the eight Test series played in South Africa so far, India has drawn one and lost the remaining seven.
Discussing team strategy on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth recommended that Ashwin, who was the most economical of India's bowlers in Centurion, should be played in the second Test. Ashwin's performance in the first Test was noteworthy, as he conceded only 41 runs in 19 overs and took one wicket. Srikkanth's rationale is that Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja, could form a formidable spin duo in Cape Town.
"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.
Srikkanth further elaborated that spinners could be crucial in troubling the South African batsmen on the Cape Town pitch. He opined that Shardul, who yielded 101 runs in 19 overs with an economy rate of 5.32 in the first Test, may not be the ideal choice for the conditions expected in the second match.
"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.
As India prepares for the second Test, the team is focused on leveling the two-match series. The inclusion of Ashwin, as suggested by Srikkanth, could be a strategic move to bolster India's bowling attack and enhance their chances of making a strong comeback against South Africa.
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