The IND vs SA 2nd Test match is a do-or-die for Team India. After drastically losing at Eden Gardens, it’s a last chance to level up the series. Hence, all eyes are on their skipper, Shubman Gill.
The big question is, will he play?
Team plans are in a mess, dangerously close to the IND vs SA 2nd Test this Saturday in Guwahati. Gill is in serious doubt for the second Test after suffering a nasty neck injury in the series opener.
Thus, the Indian think tank is scrambling to find a solution. The series now shifts to Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where this two-Test showdown will reach its thrilling conclusion.
For fans eager to tune in, the IND vs SA 2nd Test live broadcast will be the only place to catch this high-stakes drama.
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The IND vs SA 2nd Test Match Details
- Date: 22nd-26th November, 2025
- Time: 9:00 A.M.
- Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, Assam
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Gill’s Stiff Neck Puts India in a Tight Spot
Let’s get straight to the point. Shubman Gill, India’s captain and batting mainstay, is a serious doubt for the second Test.
A severe neck injury while batting in Kolkata prevented him from taking the crease again for the remainder of the match. Now, the doctors have told him not to fly, a standard move with these kinds of niggles.
As a result, there’s a real cloud over whether he’ll even get on the plane to Guwahati.
Even if he does make the trip, it’s no guarantee he’ll be fit to lead the side. No question, he’s got a monster of a career ahead of him. The last thing the team needs is to risk him and make things worse.
It isn’t the first time his neck has given him grief either; he missed a Test against New Zealand for the same reason last year. So, the medical team will be extra cautious.
Who Steps Into the Breach? The Replacement Race Heats Up
So, what’s Plan B? Well, the selectors aren’t panicking and calling up a new batter from outside the squad. Instead, they’re looking within. They have two ready-made options in Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal.
Both are talented left-handed batters who have been grinding in the nets. In fact, they had a long, serious hit under the watchful eye of coach Gautam Gambhir just the other day.
However, here’s the catch. The Indian team that played in Kolkata had a whopping six left-handers in it. South Africa’s off-spinner, Simon Harmer, absolutely feasted on that. He bagged eight wickets, and six of those were left-handers.
So, would India be playing right into his hands by adding yet another southpaw? It’s a proper tactical headache.
The Nitish Reddy Wildcard and Other Tactical Twists
But wait, there’s a twist in the tale. A right-handed option, Nitish Kumar Reddy, has been called back to the squad earlier than expected. He’d been released to play for India ‘A’, but his sudden return has everyone talking.
Reddy bats in the middle order and can also chip in with some handy medium-pace bowling. He could be the wildcard that balances the side. It opens up a few different strategies.
For instance, the team management might get creative. Dropping a specialist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav for Reddy is a bold move they could make.
Alternatively, they could push Washington Sundar, who bats at number three, to bowl a few more overs. He barely got a chance in Kolkata, but he was rolling his arm over a lot in the nets recently. That might be a sign of things to come.
The Pressure Cooker Situation in Guwahati
We can’t afford to lose what’s at stake. This IND vs SA 2nd Test is a series decider. India got a proper pasting in Kolkata, and they need to hit back hard. Losing your captain is a massive blow, both in the dressing room and out in the middle.
The new bloke coming in, whoever he is, will have to stand up and be counted from the first ball.
The Guwahati pitch will not play like Eden Gardens. This surface brings its own unique challenges. Teams must adapt quickly or pay the price.
South Africa’s batters have clearly been honing their reverse sweep, a shot they used to devastating effect.
It’s clear India is learning its lessons and adapting its game plan.
IND vs SA 2nd Test Probable Playing 11
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan / Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav / Nitish Kumar Reddy / Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa
Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj
Last Words
The home side faces a meaningful test of their skill against South Africa in the 2nd Test. Shubman Gill’s uncertainty has led to a change, and now the team must find the right combination to counter a confident South African side.
They have the players; they need the guts to back them. Ultimately, it will come down to who handles the pressure better on the day. India must now show its mettle and level the series.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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