Cricket fans, get ready for something you’ve likely never seen before! The second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati is set to feature a truly unusual twist in the daily schedule: tea will be served before lunch. Yes, you read that right.
This quirky adjustment to the Guwahati Test schedule isn’t a gimmick—it’s a practical response to the unique daylight conditions in India’s Northeast. With the sun rising and setting earlier than in the rest of the country, the match organizers have shifted the entire day’s play forward by 30 minutes to maximize natural light at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium .
But the real star of this story? Young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan, whose deadpan reaction to the schedule change has gone viral: “I already drink tea during lunch.” It’s a line that’s equal parts funny, relatable, and oddly profound—revealing just how adaptable cricketers can be.
Table of Contents
- Why the Guwahati Test Schedule Is Different
- Sai Sudharsan’s Hilarious Tea-Time Reaction
- Player Reactions: Split on the Change
- How the New Schedule Works
- Historical Context: When Has This Happened Before?
- What This Means for Fans and Broadcast
- Conclusion: Embracing Regional Realities
- Sources
Why the Guwahati Test Schedule Is Different
The Northeastern region of India experiences shorter daylight hours during November and December compared to cities like Mumbai or Chennai. In Guwahati, sunset can occur as early as 4:30 PM local time .
To ensure all 90 scheduled overs can be bowled under natural light—and to avoid frequent interruptions for bad light—the BCCI and ICC have jointly approved a shifted timetable for the Test, which begins on November 23, 2025 .
This move is part of a broader effort to make cricket more inclusive of India’s diverse geography. Hosting a Test in Guwahati is historic in itself—it’s the first men’s Test at the Barsapara Stadium—and the schedule tweak shows a willingness to adapt for regional authenticity.
Sai Sudharsan’s Hilarious Tea-Time Reaction
When asked about the unusual “tea before lunch” break, Sudharsan—fresh off his potential inclusion in the playing XI (as highlighted in [INTERNAL_LINK:guwahati-test-india-home-advantage-chopra-analysis])—responded with trademark calm and a smile: “I already drink tea during lunch” .
The quote quickly became a fan favorite on social media, not just for its humor but for its underlying truth. For many Indian players—and fans—tea isn’t just a formal break; it’s a constant companion throughout the day. Sudharsan’s remark subtly highlights how artificial the rigid “lunch/tea” structure can sometimes feel in subcontinental conditions.
Player Reactions: Split on the Change
Not everyone shares Sudharsan’s laid-back view. South African all-rounder Keshav Maharaj expressed openness to the adjustment, saying, “If it helps us get the game done, we’ll adapt. We’re professionals” .
However, his teammate Aiden Markram admitted a preference for tradition: “I’m old-school. I like my lunch at lunch and tea in the afternoon. It’s part of the rhythm of Test cricket.”
This divide reflects a broader tension in modern cricket: between preserving tradition and embracing practical innovation. In this case, necessity clearly wins—but it’s fascinating to see how players process the shift.
How the New Schedule Works
Here’s the revised daily structure for the Guwahati Test schedule:
- Play starts: 8:30 AM IST (30 mins earlier than usual)
- Tea break: ~10:30 AM IST (after 2 hours of play)
- Lunch break: ~12:00 PM IST
- Tea (second): ~2:30 PM IST
- Stumps: ~4:30 PM IST
Yes—there will technically be two “tea” breaks, though the morning one might better be described as a “hydration/snack” interval. Broadcasters will follow this adjusted timeline closely.
Historical Context: When Has This Happened Before?
While extremely rare, this isn’t the first time cricket has flipped its meal breaks. In 2002, a Test in Zimbabwe saw an early start due to political unrest and security curfews, leading to a similar compressed schedule .
More recently, day-night Tests with pink balls have altered traditional break times to align with TV primetime slots. But a deliberate reversal of tea and lunch specifically for geographical daylight reasons? That’s a first for India—and possibly for international cricket overall .
What This Means for Fans and Broadcast
For viewers in India, the match will now begin at 8:30 AM IST instead of 9:00 AM. Sony Sports Network and JioCinema (for digital streaming) will adjust their pre-match shows accordingly .
Fantasy cricket players should note the earlier start time to ensure their lineups are locked in on time. And for fans in the Northeast, this schedule is a win—it means more locals can attend the afternoon sessions after work or school without racing against sunset.
Conclusion: Embracing Regional Realities
The Guwahati Test schedule tweak is more than a logistical footnote—it’s a symbol of Indian cricket’s growing commitment to inclusivity. By adapting to the Northeast’s natural rhythms, the BCCI is sending a message: cricket belongs to all of India, not just its traditional heartlands. And with players like Sai Sudharsan handling the change with humor and grace, the sport shows it can evolve without losing its soul.