In the second and final Test of the ongoing series, the hosts India entered the encounter without their mainstay skipper Shubman Gill as well as the all-rounder Axar Patel. On the other hand, South Africa also welcomed spinner Senuran Muthusamy as the match went underway at the ACA Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, also the debut Test at the venue.
IND vs SA 2025, 2nd Test: Toss Update
South African skipper Temba Bavuma had the coin flip going his way, as he confirmed his decision of the visiting side opting to bat first. As the Proteas got the likes of Muthusamy in, pace-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch had to make his way out to make space for an extra spinner. India lost their eighth toss in a row, as Rishabh Pant walked out as the Indian Test skipper for the first time.
IND vs SA 2025, 2nd Test: Gill, Axar out; Bosch out for visitors
Shubman Gill was ruled out of the second Test on the eve of the Guwahati Test, as he had not recovered from his neck spasm that also kept him out for most of the first encounter in Kolkata, the BCCI confirmed on Friday. Sai Sudharsan has replaced Gill to bat at No. 4 in the playing line-up, whereas pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy came in place of a departing Axar Patel. Bosch, meanwhile, was replaced by Muthusamy.
IND vs SA 2025, 2nd Test: What did the captains say?
Temba Bavuma, South Africa captain,
We’ve got to start afresh. Today is another day. The boys are looking forward to it. Wicket looks a lot better. All fundamentals stay the same. Bat first, try to get a big score first up and then play the game from there. (On the pitch) A lot more consistent (grass), no cracks really. Probably expected to play well the first two days.
Very excited, we know the Indian faithful always come out and play their part. Happy to be a part of this historic moment, being the first Test. Hopefully, we can keep the historic moments going in our favour. One change. Muthusamy comes in and Bosch is out.
Rishabh Pant, India captain,
Definitely a proud moment. As a cricketer, you always aspire to lead your country. And I’m thankful to the BCCI for giving me this opportunity. Didn’t think about it, but at the same time, you want to grab it with both hands and do the best for the team. The environment is like, focus on yourself, look at the area where we can improve as a team and just come together and fight each and every moment.
We feel the wicket is good for batting. But at the same time, bowling first is not a bad option either. Shubman is getting well slowly, slowly. He was very eager to play the match. But at the same time, his body didn’t allow it. He’s going to come back stronger. Instead of Shubman, Nitish Reddy comes in. And for Axar, Sai Sudharsan comes in.
IND vs SA 2025, 2nd Test: Playing 11s
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj
India
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
India
