GUWAHATI – South Africa will be without star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the second and final Test against India after he failed to recover from a rib injury. Rabada, who missed the first Test victory at Eden Gardens due to a rib bone stress injury sustained in training, will also miss the upcoming three one-day internationals and five T20 matches as he begins a four-week rehabilitation programme. Seamer Lungi Ngidi has been called up as cover and could feature in the playing XI.
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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the Guwahati pitch appears to have more grass, making it slightly different from Kolkata, and stressed the importance of batting well in the first innings. He emphasized that the team would play positively and aim for a win rather than merely protecting their series lead.
India, meanwhile, will be without captain Shubman Gill for the second Test after he retired hurt in the first innings of the opening game. Gill was discharged from hospital in Kolkata but was not deemed fit to play at Barsapara Stadium. Rishabh Pant will lead India in his absence.
Pant indicated that the team’s playing XI will be announced ahead of the match, with a possible change in the top order to balance the left-right hand combination. He expressed pride in leading India but said he would focus on contributing as a player to help the team level the series.
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The second Test marks the first-ever match at Barsapara Stadium, with both teams adapting to key absences as they prepare for a crucial encounter to decide the series.