'I believe Ashwin is better...'-Srikkanth supports R Ashwin over Shardul Thakur for Cape Town Test

The upcoming India vs South Africa 2nd and final Test at Newlands Cricket Ground is set to be an intense and pivotal match in the series. With South Africa leading 1-0, India will be aiming to comeback and level the series, making this match a must-watch event for cricket fans. Taking place from 3rd to 7th January, the match promises to showcase top-quality cricket as both teams compete for victory. Newlands Cricket Ground's picturesque setting and the challenging pitch conditions are sure to add an extra element of excitement to this highly anticipated encounter.

3 things you need to know 

• India lost the 1st test by an innings and 32 runs 
• Indian cricket team didn't perform in the last Test 
• Rohit Sharma and squad will look to bounce back against SA

Also Read: A Breakdown Of All The 54 Goals Scored By Cristiano Ronaldo In 2023

Krishnamachari Srikkanth backs star veteran spinner ahead of the 2nd Test vs South Africa

The former Indian batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has stated that he believes spinner Ravichandran Ashwin should be selected for the second Test match against South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, rather than fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

The Indian squad has been working hard to be ready for the New Year's Test after suffering a big defeat in the first Test. At SuperSport Park in Centurion, the Proteas defeated India by an innings and 32 runs, dashing India's hopes of winning their first-ever bilateral Test series in South Africa.

Speaking to the viewers on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth stated that he would rather have Ashwin than Shardul in the second Test. He underlined that the squad will benefit from the spinner's chemistry with Ravindra Jadeja. Especially in the preceding Centurion Test, where he took a vital wicket and gave up just 41 runs in 19 overs, Ashwin proved to be one of India's most economical bowlers. Srikkanth 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. 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,” 

Also Read: 'He Is A Box Office Cricketer,': Nasser Hussain Optimistic About Rishabh Pant's 2024

Srikkanth believes that spinners will play a huge role for the Indian team in Cape Town 

Srikkanth continued his analysis by elaborating on the critical role spinners will play in making South African batters suffer in Cape Town. He claims Shardul does not agree with the strategic strategy for the second Test. Srikkanth cited Shardul's performance in the first Test, in which he allowed 101 runs in 19 overs at an economy rate of 5.32. 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 one Test only. It’s unfair to drop anyone after their debut. Shardul Thakur does not fit the bill,”