IND vs SA 2nd Test: The Ultimate Guwahati Showdown Preview
The cricketing world is holding its breath as India and South Africa prepare for a decisive clash in the IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati. With the series on the line and a host of last-minute changes, everything is set for a blockbuster contest. Can India, under a new captain, bounce back? Or will the Proteas complete a series sweep?
Table of Contents
- Captaincy Crisis: Pant Steps Up
- South Africa’s Key Blow
- Guwahati Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise?
- Guwahati Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport?
- Probable Playing XIs for the 2nd Test
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Captaincy Crisis: Pant Steps Up
In a dramatic turn of events, star batter Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the IND vs SA 2nd Test due to a lingering neck injury. Despite traveling to Guwahati with the squad on November 19th, he was not deemed fit to play . This throws the captaincy reins to the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant .
This unexpected promotion makes Pant India’s 38th Test captain . His aggressive and fearless brand of cricket could be just the spark India needs in this must-win game. Pant’s leadership style, which he describes as giving players “freedom,” will be under the microscope from the very first ball .
South Africa’s Key Blow
It’s not just India facing an injury crisis. The Proteas have been dealt a massive blow with the absence of their premier strike bowler, Kagiso Rabada. He has been ruled out of the match due to a rib bone stress injury that has plagued him since before the first Test in Kolkata .
Rabada’s absence significantly weakens South Africa’s pace attack, especially on a pitch that is expected to be batting-friendly. Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed the news on the eve of the match, stating, “Kagiso, he has been ruled out, so he won’t be involved” . This opens the door for India’s top-order to capitalize.
Guwahati Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise?
The contest will unfold at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, a venue still establishing its Test legacy. Historically, the pitch in Guwahati has been a batting-friendly surface . Early on, there might be some assistance for the seamers thanks to morning moisture, offering crucial swing in the first session .
However, as the match progresses, the surface is expected to flatten out, becoming a high-scoring ground where batters can play their natural game . Spinners might come into play later in the match, but they will need to be exceptionally skillful to extract turn from this deck.
Guwahati Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport?
One of the biggest questions hanging over the match is the weather. November is generally a dry and pleasant month in Guwahati, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) [[12], [14], [18]]. Humidity levels are moderate, typically around 50% .
While the overall forecast is favorable for cricket, there is always a slight, lingering chance of isolated showers in the region. However, historical data suggests significant rain is highly unlikely during this period . Fans can be cautiously optimistic that the match will proceed without major weather interruptions.
Probable Playing XIs for the 2nd Test
With the key absences confirmed, here’s a look at the most likely lineups for both teams.
India’s Probable XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma
- Sarfaraz Khan
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ashwin / Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Harshit Rana / Akash Deep
India is likely to bolster their batting with an extra all-rounder like Washington Sundar, given the conditions. The seam attack will look to make the most of the early morning conditions.
South Africa’s Probable XI
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Aiden Markram
- David Bedingham
- Keegan Petersen
- Khaya Zondo
- Dean Elgar
- Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
- Mehrajuddin Ali / Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Nandre Burger
- Lungi Ngidi
Without Rabada, South Africa will rely heavily on Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger to lead the pace attack. They might also consider playing an extra all-rounder to balance the side.
Final Thoughts
The IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati promises to be a fascinating contest of strategy and resilience. India, under the new leadership of Rishabh Pant, must overcome the disappointment of the first Test. South Africa, despite missing their key pacer, will be confident in their batting depth. With a batting-friendly pitch and a low chance of rain, fans are in for a full five days of high-quality Test cricket. Don’t forget to check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-tips] for this match!