India Seeks Redemption Against South Africa in Guwahati Test
After suffering a disappointing 30-run defeat in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for a crucial comeback against South Africa in the second Test match. The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 21, 2025, with the hosts determined to level the series.
Leadership Change and Key Player Returns
The Indian camp has been forced into a significant leadership change following the unfortunate injury to regular skipper Shubman Gill. The young opener has been ruled out of the Guwahati Test due to a neck spasm, creating a void at the top of the order. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is confirmed to take over the captaincy mantle in Gill's absence, adding another responsibility to his role.
In a positive development for the batting lineup, Sai Sudharsan is likely to make his return to the starting eleven. After sitting out the Kolkata Test, the left-handed batsman is expected to slot back into his preferred No. 3 position. His inclusion would strengthen the middle order but also adds another left-hander to a lineup already rich with them.
Team Composition and Selection Dilemmas
The potential abundance of left-handed batsmen in the Indian team presents a tactical challenge, particularly against South Africa's off-spinner Simon Harmer, who exploited these matchups effectively at Eden Gardens. This consideration might prompt the team management to consider balancing the lineup.
One strategic change being contemplated is the inclusion of right-handed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of left-arm spinner Axar Patel. This move would not only introduce a right-handed batting option in the middle order but also provide an additional seam bowling resource, depending on the pitch conditions in Guwahati.
The rest of the Indian bowling attack is expected to remain stable, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the pace department, complemented by the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
South Africa's Winning Formula and Potential Adjustment
The visiting South African team, buoyed by their dramatic victory in Kolkata, is likely to stick with the same winning combination that brought them success. However, they are also considering one potential change in their bowling attack.
With premier pacer Kagiso Rabada unavailable, the Proteas might opt for the experience and extra pace of Lungi Ngidi, potentially replacing Corbin Bosch. This would be a like-for-like seam bowling swap, adding more firepower to their bowling arsenal while maintaining the balance of their side.
Predicted Playing XIs:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel/Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch/Lungi Ngidi, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj
Both teams have announced their full squads for the crucial encounter, with India looking to bounce back strongly and South Africa aiming to seal the series with another impressive performance. The Barsapara Stadium pitch conditions and weather are expected to play significant roles in determining the final team compositions and match strategy.
