Former India chief selector 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.
“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,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube Channel.
The Indian fast bowlers had a real tough time in the first Test, and were expensive as well. Thakur returned with figures of 1/101 in 19 overs, while Prasidh Krishna ended with 1/93. Srikkanth added, that it would also be unfair to drop the latter from the side.
“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,” he added.
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