India will host South Africa in a couple of Test matches next month.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expects pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to rest in the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, while also predicting spin all-rounder Axar Patel’s return to playing XI.
The two Tests against the current World Test Championship holders will be played in Kolkata (November 14-18) and Guwahati (November 22-26), following India's white-ball tour to Australia.
Speaking on his YouTube channel "Ash ki Baat", Ashwin highlighted India's abundant all-rounder options and Proteas batters’ tendency to struggle against spin bowling.
"Axar Patel will play. When South Africa comes, I think there will be a slightly stiffer test. They are WTC champions. They are the holding champions. I think they will pose much higher competition. Still, there are not many spin options with South Africa. In India, if you want to win, you need batting that can play long, and you need spin bowling to stay tight as well. South Africa looks a little short on spin resources." Ashwin said.
"We don't know how they will bat either. But India is spoiled for choices. There are a lot of all-rounders. If you play Washi, Axar, and Jadeja, you will play Kuldeep as well. Batting will go up to number 10. I think Bumrah will get a rest against South Africa," he added.
Ashwin was effusive in praise of KL Rahul's batting technique, particularly highlighting his ability to make difficult runs.
"I always feel that KL Rahul makes tough runs look very easy. But I am so happy that KL Rahul found this game, because KL Rahul has the quality and class that he can get out in such a match, as it can be very easy for him. But he didn't give up. He converted that into a hundred."
"I really hope, for KL Rahul's good and the game he has, that this situation he finds himself in could be the second or third wing of KL Rahul," he remarked.
Ashwin also emphasized the significance of Rahul's recent century against the West Indies in Ahmedabad and its importance for the Indian team.
"I really think he should have a strong finish to the end right now. He looks in great form. His fitness looks good. It looks like he has understood his game inside out. And it looks like he has got a lot of hunger. This hundred is not about KL Rahul's game; this hundred is about defining KL Rahul, the batter, for the Indian team."