South Africa's Bowling Blow: Rabada Misses Crucial Guwahati Test
In a significant setback for the visiting South African team, pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been officially ruled out of the second Test match against India, set to begin in Guwahati. The 30-year-old fast bowler failed to fully recover from the rib bone stress injury that also kept him out of the series opener in Kolkata.
Medical Update and Rehabilitation Program
Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a detailed statement confirming Rabada's continued absence. The Proteas medical team, after closely monitoring the injury, decided to withdraw him from the remainder of the tour due to ongoing discomfort in the affected area.
The statement revealed that Rabada will continue the initial phase of his four-week rehabilitation program with the team's medical staff before returning to South Africa after the conclusion of the second Test in Guwahati.
Ngidi Steps In as South Africa Aim for Series Win
Filling the void left by Rabada will be Lungi Ngidi, who was added to the squad as a precautionary backup. Ngidi brings considerable experience to the attack, having taken 58 wickets in 20 Test matches at an impressive average of 23.37.
His last appearance in the longest format was in the 2025 World Test Championship Final against Australia in June, where he played a key role in South Africa's victory. He subsequently missed the team's recent Test series in Pakistan, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Series Context and World Test Championship Implications
The second Test in Guwahati carries immense significance for both teams. South Africa's 30-run victory in the opening Test at Kolkata's Eden Gardens marked their first win on Indian soil since 2010.
This result puts India under pressure, as the home team must now win in Guwahati to avoid a second consecutive home series loss to a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) country. The only previous time South Africa beat India in a Test series in India was back in 2000, when they won the two-match series 2-0.
The victory in Kolkata also had major implications for the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, propelling South Africa to the second spot, while India currently occupies fourth place.
