Post by : Maya Rahman

The South African cricket team will be missing their leading fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the second and final Test match against India in Guwahati, which is slated to commence on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Rabada has not yet recovered from a stress injury to a rib bone, which he incurred during a training session prior to the first Test at Eden Gardens. His injury also caused him to miss South Africa’s recent 30-run victory in Kolkata.

To fill the void left by Rabada, South Africa has brought in seamer Lungi Ngidi, who is now in line for a spot in the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma mentioned that the team will finalize their playing XI after gauging the conditions of the Guwahati pitch. He observed that the wicket appears livelier than Kolkata, featuring more grass which could initially assist bowlers but may favor the batsmen as the match progresses.

Bavuma is anticipating the Guwahati pitch to adhere to the typical subcontinent patterns, where batting may receive a boost in the initial days but will gradually offer more support to spinners. He stated that the first innings could be decisive for the match. “Winning the toss is crucial, as batting early on days one and two provides a significant advantage,” he asserted.

The captain reiterated that the team aims to play aggressively in Guwahati. “We won’t aim for a draw merely to protect our lead in the series. Every Test we play is an opportunity to win; we focus on being competitive,” he emphasized, showcasing the team’s bold strategy despite the absence of Rabada.

In addition to the Test match, Rabada will miss the three one-day internationals (ODIs) and five T20s that follow. He is set to begin a four-week rehabilitation program to fully heal from his rib injury prior to his return to competitive play. His absence poses a significant challenge for South Africa’s pace attack, which will have to rely on Ngidi and other fast bowlers to step up.

On the Indian side, injury concerns are also apparent. Captain Shubman Gill is out for the second Test due to a neck issue, slotting Rishabh Pant into the leadership role for the Guwahati match. With pivotal players like Gill and Rabada not available, both teams must navigate challenges in optimizing their line-ups and strategically managing their bowling and batting line-ups.

The second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, as India strives to level the series and South Africa aims to sustain their momentum amid these setbacks. Both sides will be keen to perform exceptionally, as this match will provide vital insights ahead of the subsequent limited-overs series.

#Sports News