Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has given his opinion on the playing XI of team India for the second Test in Capetown. Pathan said that Ravindra Jadeja is a potential replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the second Test if Jadeja is fit.
After India’s defeat by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion against South Africa, Irfan Pathan said that Jadeja could be a better option than R Ashwin as he can provide versatility on African pitches.
With this victory, South Africa has claimed a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, dashing India’s aspirations of conquering their ultimate challenge in Test cricket. India is set to commence 2024 with the second and final match of their Test series against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Cape Town on January 3.
In an interview with Star Sports leading up to the second Test, Irfan Pathan expressed his support for Ravindra Jadeja to step in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Pathan noted that India missed Jadeja’s batting prowess in the first Test. Despite Ashwin being the most economical bowler for India in Centurion, conceding only 41 runs in 19 overs and taking the wicket of Gerald Coetzee.
“Ravindra Jadeja, if fit, should come back in the team. Ashwin did bowl well from what was expected of him on that pitch but we missed Jadeja’s control while batting at number 7 in Centurion,” said Pathan.
He also said that captain Rohit Sharma should look to replace Prasidh Krishna with Mukesh Kumar. Krishna had been very expensive in the first Test where he leaked 93 runs in 19 overs.
Fact Check: The Truth Behind The Viral Video Of Shakib Al Hasan’s Incident At Airport
“If you’re Rohit Sharma and you want to go with the same bowling attack, that’s also fine. But if you’re thinking of making a change, Mukesh Kumar could come in for Prasidh Krishna. But if you feel Prasidh is confident in the nets, then he should be back for the second Test,” Pathan added.
