Following the loss in the first Test, cricket fans are excited about the India vs South Africa 2nd Test match in 2025.
This 2nd Test is scheduled to be played from November 22nd to 26th, 2025. The Match Venue will be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Who is not playing and why?
The biggest blow to both teams in the India vs South Africa 2nd Test is the exclusion of Shubman Gill and Kagiso Rabada.
India captain Gill suffered a severe neck injury during the first Test. The medical team has advised him not to fly and rest for 3 to 4 days.
For this reason, Gill’s chances of playing in the second Test are slim, and the team has included Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squad as cover.
On the other hand, South Africa’s star pacer Kagiso Rabada has been out since the first Test due to a rib injury.
There is still uncertainty about his fitness, so the team made a quick decision to call up Lungi Ngidi as a cover replacement, ensuring that there is no shortage of bowling at any point.
The absence of these two key players from both teams could clearly impact the balance of the match, as India’s captaincy and top order will be affected, while South Africa will miss its most striking bowling force.
IND vs SA Test: India Squad
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK, VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
IND vs SA Test: South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
India Probable Playing XI
- Shubham Gill (Doubtful)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (Doubtful)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa Probable Playing XI
- Aiden Markram
- Tony de Zorzi
- Zubayr Hamza
- Dewald Brevis
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Wiaan Mulder
- Ryan Rickelton (WK)
- Marco Jansen
- Simon Harmer
- Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi / Kagiso Rabada
India vs South Africa: Pitch & Weather Report
The pitch at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium is red soil, offering good bounce and seam movement for fast bowlers initially.
As the match progresses, spinners will also begin to see some turn, making the pitch considered balanced.
The pitch has a thin layer of grass, which will assist the fast bowlers with the new ball and give the batsmen confidence in their shots.
Weather-wise, light clouds and humidity are expected on the first day, while the following days will be clear and stable.
The temperature will hover around 24 to 28°C. Dew is expected in the evening, which could pose some difficulties for the bowlers.
IND vs SA 2nd Test Team Strategy
India will rely on Yashasvi and KL Rahul to keep the top order strong in Gill’s absence. The team will aim for a secure start and allow the middle order to play freely.
In bowling, Bumrah and Siraj will create pressure with the new ball, while the spin trio of Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar will aim to take wickets in the middle overs and keep the match under control.
South Africa will rely on Lungi Ngidi, Marco Johnson, and Simon Harmer to cover for Rabada’s absence.
Their plan is to disrupt India’s top order in the early overs and then establish control through spin.
The batting strategy is designed to keep Markram, Bavuma, and Brevis at the crease for extended periods, with the team as the backbone.
Despite injuries to players, both teams have prepared to take the field with a balanced and aggressive approach.
