Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that India could make two changes to their playing XI in the second Test match against South Africa. With Shubman Gill ruled out of the second game, Ashwin reckons Sai Sudharsan can replace the Indian skipper.

Sudharsan was dropped from the opening Test despite scoring a decent knock of 87 runs in the second Test against the West Indies at Delhi. Ashwin reckons Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been recalled to the squad, can come in place of Axar Patel.

“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,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

On the other hand, India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane said Pant needs to back his own method and style while leading India in the second Test.

“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 and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.