Former World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth advised India to drop Shardul Thakur and field R Ashwin alongside Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming Test against South Africa.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth has weighed in on India’s team selection for the second Test against South Africa, emphasizing the importance of retaining Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. With Ravindra Jadeja potentially returning after missing the first Test due to a back spasm, Srikkanth believes that Ashwin should maintain his spot even if Jadeja reclaims his position.
In the initial Test, India opted for a four-fast-bowler strategy, but Srikkanth recommends prioritizing Ashwin over Shardul Thakur. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former world-cup winner highlighted Ashwin’s proficiency and expressed the belief that the duo could yield significant wickets, potentially securing 4-5 dismissals.
“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.
“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.
In the Centurion Test, India faced bowling challenges with their third and fourth-choice pacers, Thakur and Prasidh Krishna, struggling to find consistency on a helpful pitch. Their wayward line and length allowed South Africa to capitalize, resulting in the hosts posting 408 runs. With the series now moving to Cape Town for the second match on January 3, India might consider tweaking their XI to bounce back and level the series.
Last Updated on January 2, 2024
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