Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a significant blow to South Africa, star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will not participate in the upcoming second and final Test against India in Guwahati, set to start on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Despite hopes of recovery, Rabada has not healed from a rib bone stress injury incurred during training before the first Test at Eden Gardens, which he missed as South Africa clinched a 30-run victory in Kolkata.
With Rabada out of action, South Africa has called in seamer Lungi Ngidi, who is poised to play in the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma mentioned that the team will finalize the lineup based on the conditions of the Guwahati pitch. The wicket appears greener than that of Kolkata, which may provide initial assistance to bowlers but will also benefit batsmen early on.
Bavuma anticipates that the Guwahati pitch will follow the classic sub-continent trend, favoring batting on the first few days and gradually transitioning to assist spinners as the match progresses. He underscored the importance of the first innings in setting a competitive tone for the game. “Winning the toss is critical; batting early on days one and two offers a significant edge,” he stated.
The South African captain further declared that the approach in Guwahati will be one of aggressiveness. “We aren’t playing for a draw just to protect our series lead. Each Test is an opportunity to win, and we intend to lead from the front,” he affirmed, emphasizing the team’s bold strategy even in Rabada's absence.
In addition to the Test series, Rabada will also miss three one-day internationals (ODIs) and five T20 matches following the Test. He will begin a four-week rehabilitation program aimed at fully recovering from his rib injury so he can return to the game. His absence poses a challenge for South Africa’s pace attack, which will lean on other bowlers like Ngidi and colleagues to compensate.
On the Indian front, the team is contending with injury setbacks as well. Captain Shubman Gill is also out of the second Test due to a neck issue, leading Rishabh Pant to assume captaincy in Guwahati. With Rabada and Gill unavailable, both teams face hurdles in solidifying their line-ups and managing their resources effectively.
Anticipation is high for the second Test, with India striving to level the series and South Africa aiming to sustain their momentum despite being without their leading fast bowler. Each side looks to showcase their strengths, as the match is crucial ahead of the limited-overs series to come.
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