Guwahati, November 21, 2025 - Following a disappointing defeat in the first Test in Kolkata, India is gearing up for a crucial second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, commencing on November 22. The hosts are under immense pressure to level the series, while South Africa will be aiming for their first series win in India since 2000.
India suffered a 30-run loss in the first Test, exposing vulnerabilities in their batting lineup. The match concluded in just three days on a rapidly deteriorating pitch, sparking debates about its fairness. India were bowled out for a mere 93 runs while chasing a target of 124.
Adding to India's woes, Shubman Gill, the captain, has been ruled out of the second Test due to a neck injury. Rishabh Pant is expected to take over the captaincy. In Gill's absence, Sai Sudharsan is likely to join the playing XI. The likely opening pair will be Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The predicted Indian XI includes Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is set to host its first-ever Test match. The pitch is expected to offer more pace and bounce compared to the Kolkata pitch, due to its red soil composition. This should assist the fast bowlers, although spin is expected to play a significant role as the match progresses, particularly from the third or fourth day. The curators are aiming to ensure consistent bounce throughout the Test.
The weather forecast for the first two days indicates a 25% chance of rain, but clear conditions are expected for the remaining days of the match.
South Africa, buoyed by their victory in the first Test, appears confident. Their bowling attack seems well-settled, with Simon Harmer in excellent form. In the first test, Harmer took 8 wickets and Keshav Maharaj added 3 more. Temba Bavuma's leadership and consistent batting add stability to their batting.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah will be key, with his ability to strike with both the new and old ball. Mohammed Siraj's form will also be crucial. Washington Sundar will be expected to contribute with both bat and ball, after scoring 60 runs in the first test.
Both teams will be aiming to exploit the expected conditions at Guwahati. India will be looking to their pacers to make early inroads, while South Africa will rely on their spinners to capitalize on the turning conditions as the match progresses.
As the pressure mounts on India to avoid a series defeat, and with South Africa aiming for a historic series win, the second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter.
