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Lungi Ngidi Joins SA Squad for Guwahati Test

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IND vs SA: Guwahati Test - Proteas add Lungi Ngidi as cover for Kagiso Rabada

Lungi Ngidi Joins SA Squad for Guwahati Test: A Strategic Boost After Rabada Blow

In a pivotal move ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, South Africa have added speedster **Lungi Ngidi** to their squad as cover for the injured **Kagiso Rabada**. The decision comes on the heels of the Proteas’ morale-boosting victory in the first Test at Centurion—a rare win on Indian soil that has put them in a commanding 1–0 lead .

With Rabada’s availability now in serious doubt due to a persistent niggle, Ngidi’s inclusion isn’t just a like-for-like swap—it’s a calculated reinforcement. The 28-year-old fast bowler brings not only raw pace and bounce but also valuable experience and a point to prove after being in and out of the Test side in recent years.

Table of Contents

Rabada’s Injury: A Major Blow for Proteas

Kagiso Rabada isn’t just South Africa’s lead pacer—he’s their heartbeat in the bowling attack. With 242 Test wickets at an average under 23, his ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old one makes him indispensable, especially in subcontinental conditions where seam and movement are at a premium.

His withdrawal would significantly weaken the Proteas’ seam trio. While Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger impressed in Centurion, Rabada’s control and wicket-taking threat in crucial phases are hard to replicate. Hence, the call-up of **Lungi Ngidi**—a player with proven Test credentials and the physicality to exploit Guwahati’s likely pace-friendly surface.

Why Ngidi Is the Perfect Replacement

Ngidi may not have Rabada’s swing, but he offers something equally valuable: steep bounce and aggression. Standing 6’4”, he extracts extra lift even from docile tracks—a trait that could trouble India’s middle order, which has shown vulnerability against short-pitched bowling overseas.

Moreover, Ngidi has a strong recent record in red-ball cricket:

  • Took 15 wickets in the 2023/24 domestic first-class season at just 18.60.
  • Delivered a match-winning 6/87 against New Zealand in 2022 at Centurion.
  • Known for his relentless work ethic and ability to bowl long, probing spells.

His return is both timely and tactical.

Lungi Ngidi Guwahati Test: What to Expect

While this will be Ngidi’s first Test in Guwahati, the venue itself is no stranger to pace. The Barsapara Stadium—home to India’s only T20I against West Indies in 2018—has a drainage system designed for Assam’s heavy rains and a pitch that traditionally offers good carry and even bounce.

For a bowler like Ngidi, these conditions are ideal. If the pitch retains any grass or moisture early on, he could be lethal with the new ball. Even as the game progresses, his height ensures he remains a constant threat.

Impact on SA’s Bowling Strategy in India

Without Rabada, South Africa’s original plan likely revolved around Jansen’s left-arm angle and spin from Keshav Maharaj. But with Ngidi in the mix, coach Shukri Conrad can now deploy a more aggressive, pace-heavy approach—especially if the pitch behaves.

Potential new-ball pairings:

  • Ngidi + Jansen: Right-left combo with bounce and seam.
  • Ngidi + Burger: Two right-arm quicks focusing on line-and-length discipline.

Either way, India’s top order—already under scrutiny after the Centurion collapse—will face a stern test of character and technique.

India’s Response to the New Threat

India’s coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, must now recalibrate. Batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill (if fit) will need to counter Ngidi’s bounce by getting on the front foot decisively—a lesson reinforced by recent net drills without front pads .

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, too, may advise on how to neutralize Ngidi’s line, having faced him in IPL encounters. The mental game will be as crucial as the technical one.

Guwahati Pitch and Conditions Preview

Historically, Guwahati has offered seamer-friendly conditions in limited-overs cricket. While this is only the **second men’s Test** at Barsapara (after India vs Bangladesh in 2024), early indicators suggest:

  • Good grass cover expected for the series decider.
  • High humidity could aid swing early on.
  • Drainage ensures minimal rain disruption.

For more insights into venue behavior, the ICC’s pitch analysis reports provide excellent context on emerging Test venues.

Conclusion: Can Ngidi Help Seal the Series?

The inclusion of **Lungi Ngidi** for the Guwahati Test is more than injury cover—it’s a statement of intent from South Africa. They’re not settling for a 1–0 lead; they’re pushing for a historic series win on Indian soil.

For India, the challenge is clear: bounce back from Centurion, adapt to Ngidi’s threat, and turn the Barsapara Stadium into a fortress. With the series on the line, this clash promises high stakes, fierce competition, and a true test of character for both sides.

Stay updated with our full series coverage at [INTERNAL_LINK:ind-vs-sa-test-series-2025].

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