India Battles to Level Series Against South Africa in Historic Guwahati Test Starting November 22
India faces a must-win second Test against South Africa starting November 22 at Guwahati.
India faces a make-or-break contest against South Africa in the second and final Test of the series, starting on November 22 at 9:00 a.m. IST at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After a surprising 30-run defeat in the first Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, defended a modest target of 124 with an exceptional eight-wicket haul by Simon Harmer, India must win to level the series 1-1. A South African win would mark a rare series sweep on Indian soil.
The Guwahati Test will be historic as the first-ever Test match hosted at the ACA Stadium, bringing fresh challenges of a new pitch and conditions that could influence the game’s dynamics. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adjusted the match timings to start at 9 a.m. instead of the usual 9:30 a.m. to align with the local daylight hours, including an unusual schedule break with tea taken before lunch.
India’s playing XI is subject to selection debates, especially regarding the fitness of skipper Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test. Gill has been responding well to treatment and will travel with the team to Guwahati, but his availability for the first day remains uncertain. Potential replacements include batsmen B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, or allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was recently recalled to the squad.
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The Indian squad for this match includes key performers like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, while South Africa’s lineup features Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Simon Harmer. Both teams are highly motivated, with the World Test Championship points and pride on the line.
Cricket fans can watch the second Test live on the Star Sports Network. Streaming options are available via the JioHotstar app and website, offering real-time coverage. The match promises intense competition amid strategic battles and dramatic moments as India strives to salvage the series.
