IND vs SA: India replace R Ashwin with Ravindra Jadeja, netizens say 'much needed change'

The coin has been tossed for the second and ultimate Test match between India and South Africa, and the Men in Blue have introduced two changes to their squad. The Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first at Newlands in Cape Town. In an attempt to make history on a ground where they have never secured a Test victory, Rohit Sharma, while announcing the alterations during the toss, expressed the team's strategy.

In a conversation with Ravi Shastri, Rohit mentioned, "Would've batted first as well. Looks a good pitch. We understand the challenge of batting first on that pitch, but nevertheless, there will be enough in the pitch for the seamers, so hopefully we'll cash in on it. Important to forget what's happened in the past. We understand the importance of getting runs on the board and getting 20 wickets. Didn't happen in the first game but we're upbeat about what we can achieve here"

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Discussing the squad, the 'Hitman' stated, "Two changes. Jadeja comes back for Ashwin. Shardul misses out, Mukesh Kumar replaces him".

The return of Ravindra Jadeja to the squad, after missing the first game due to injury, sparked excitement among netizens. Many emphasized that the all-rounder is a much-needed asset for the Indian Test squad.

On the other side, Dean Elgar was seen at the toss as the captain for the host nation. This Test series marks his final appearance as he is set to retire from international cricket. They have also introduced a debutant, Tristan Stubbs, in place of the injured skipper Temba Bavuma from the first Test. 

Lungi Ngidi comes in for the injured Gerald Coetzee, and they have bolstered their bowling lineup by bringing in Keshav Maharaj in place of Keegan Petersen.

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Teams:

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.