Mohali: Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri today indicated that Ravichandran Ashwin will play in the opening cricket Test against South Africa, saying the off-spinner is "absolutely fine".

Ashwin, who suffered a side strain during the first ODI in Kanpur, could not participate in the last four games against the visitors. His absence hurt the hosts as they went down 2-3 against the AB de Villiers-led side.