Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s playing XI for the second Test against South Africa, slated to get underway on January 3 in Cape Town.

India endured an innings and 32 runs defeat in the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion. As a result, they conceded an unassailable 1-0 lead to the Proteas in the two-match series.

The Cape Town Test will be the last match of India’s tour to South Africa and the visitors would look to level the series and kick-off the new year on a positive note.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the second Test, Pathan batted for Jadeja’s inclusion in the XI at the expense of Ashwin, who returned with the figures of 1/41 in his 19 overs in Centurion.

“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,” Irfan Pathan said.

Pathan also opined that if Prasidh Krishna is feeling confident in the nets then he should play the second Test, but if not, Mukesh Kumar could replace him.

Krishna, who made his Test debut in Centurion, picked up one wicket by leaking 93 runs in his 19 overs.

“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.

Notably, India haven’t won a Test series on South Africa soil despite touring the Rainbow Nation since 1992. The best result so far for the visiting Indian team in South Africa is 1-1 draw during the 2010-11 tour.