Former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth has backed veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin to retain his place in the playing XI for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. South Africa defeated India by an innings and 32 runs at the SuperSport Park in Centurion last week. Ashwin was India's most economical bowler in the Boxing Day Test, giving away just 41 runs in 19 overs, while claiming a solitary wicket. With Ravindra Jadeja likely to return for the game at the Newlands, Srikkanth feels Ashwin is better than Shardul Thakur, who pretty expensie in the first Test.