Sat Nov 22 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Seeks Series Draw Against South Africa as Pant Takes Over Captaincy
Guwahati, India – Team India faces South Africa in the second Test match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, today, aiming to level the two-match series after a disappointing 30-run defeat in the first Test in Kolkata. This match is crucial for India to avoid a series loss on home soil.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. At tea the score was 75 for no loss. Jasprit Bumrah bagged the first wicket in the 27th over, bowling out opener Aiden Markram after he made 38.
In a blow to the Indian side, Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test. Rishabh Pant will captain the team in his absence, becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper to lead the Test team since MS Dhoni. Nitish Reddy and Sai Sudarshan make their way into the playing eleven.
South Africa also faces injury concerns with Kagiso Rabada ruled out and Simon Harmer’s participation uncertain due to a shoulder injury. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma confirmed one change to the team, with Muthusami replacing Bosch.
A victory for South Africa would secure their first Test series win in India in 25 years. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is hosting its inaugural Test match, becoming India’s 30th Test venue.
India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Viaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj.
First Piper 