Irfan Pathan backs Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in 2nd Test

Listen to Story Former India all rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the second Test if he is fit. South Africa hammered India by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. With this win, South Africa took a 1 0 lead in the two match Test series, slashing India’s hopes of capturing their final frontier in Test cricket.

India will kick start 2024 by facing South Africa in the second and final match of their Test series at the Wanderers Stadium in Cape Town on January 3. Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the second Test, Pathan backed Jadejato replace Ashwin, saying India missed his batting in the first Test. Ahswin was India’s most economical bowler in Centurion, giving away just 41 runs in 19 overs, while picking the wicket of Gerald Coetzee.

“Ravindra Jadeja, if fit, should come back in the team. Ashwin did bowl well from what was expected out of him on that pitch but we missed Jadeja's control while batting at number 7 in Centurion,” said Pathan. He went on to say that if Prasidh Krishna is feeling confident in the nets then he should play the second match, but if not, Mukesh Kumar could replace him.

Prasidh leaked 93 runs in 19 overs, while picking one wicket on his Test debut in Centurion. “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 backed for the second Test,” Pathan added.

India has never won a bi lateral Test series in South Africa, having tried and failed on eight occasions. They have lost seven Test series while drawing one in South Africa..