“I feel Sai will come in” – R Ashwin predicts two changes for Team India ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin predicted two changes in India’s playing 11 for the second Test against South Africa. They are hosting the Proteas for a two-match series. The second Test will begin on November 22 in Guwahati. India lost the first Test by 30 runs in Kolkata. In what came as a huge blow, captain Shubman Gill has reportedly been released from the squad following the neck injury he sustained during the first Test. Ashwin reckoned that Sai Sudharsan would replace Gill for the second Test. He added that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could come in for Axar Patel. The veteran reflected that there was no need for four spinners in the side and believed that it caused problems for the hosts in the first Test. “I feel Sai will come in the place of Gill and Nitish for Axar Patel. If you want variety in the spin, there is enough variety with Jadeja, Washi, and Kuldeep. I am not saying it is a huge mistake but if you have more options, you can get confused in contemplating giving spinners more chances. If Axar did not play in Kolkata, Pant would have started with Bumrah. If you are playing Nitish, you have to be very clear about who your strike bowlers will be,” he said on ‘Ash Ki Baat’. In the same conversation, discarded India batter Ajinkya Rahane stated that bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy for Gill would mean having an extra all-rounder. He reckoned that Gill should be replaced only by a pure batter. Sai Sudharsan played in the second Test against the West Indies and did well. He scored 87 in the first innings and 39 in the second. However, he was dropped for the first Test against South Africa. Ajinkya Rahane on what Rishabh Pant needs to do as India captain in the second Test With Shubman Gill ruled out of the second Test, Rishabh Pant will lead in his absence in Guwahati. Pant led the team in Kolkata as well after Gill did not take part after the first innings, having retired hurt. Ajinkya Rahane reckoned that it would be important for Pant to plan well and back his abilities as a captain. He added that Pant would have to give players the confidence and believe in his methods. “Rishabh has to back his style and methods. It is important to plan as well. You need to have three or four options ready. It is not possible without planning. The opposition is also a quality team. They will want to win the series. So Rishabh will have to back his ability and his methods. He will have to give the players some confidence. There is no time in a two-match series,” he said. India are in a must-win situation going into the second Test. Having lost in Kolkata, they cannot afford to lose in Guwahati as it would result in a 2-0 series whitewash. The hosts will aim to draw level and come back strong.
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