The second Test between India and South Africa begins today in Guwahati, with the visitors winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The match has started 30 minutes earlier than usual, kicking off at 9 AM to account for local conditions. After clinching the opening Test in Kolkata, South Africa enter this contest with a 1–0 lead and the confidence of having dominated the series so far.
Team India have suffered a significant setback, as regular Test captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to injury. In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has taken over the captaincy. This marks an important moment for Pant, who is leading India in a home Test for the first time.
India are also under pressure to avoid an unwanted record. For the second time in just 13 months, the team faces the threat of a clean sweep at home. Last year, New Zealand stunned India with a 3-0 Test series victory. Adding to the challenge, South Africa have not won a Test series on Indian soil in 25 years and now have a strong chance to rewrite history.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma expressed confidence after winning the toss, stating that the pitch looked fresh and promising for batting. He emphasized the importance of putting up a competitive first-innings total to create pressure early in the game.
The visitors have made one change in their lineup. Senuran Muthusamy returns to the side, replacing Corbin Bosch.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Sai Sudharsan
Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel
Washington Sundar
Nitish Reddy
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Aiden Markram
Ryan Rickelton
Wiaan Mulder
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
Tony de George
Tristan Stubbs
Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
Simon Harmer
Keshav Maharaj
Marco Jansen
Senuran Muthusamy