After a challenging outing at Eden Gardens, the Indian men’s cricket team will be aiming to return to winning ways against South Africa in the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting on Saturday, November 22. The Guwahati Test will start at 9:00 AM IST.

With the Test series on the line, India have further suffered a massive blow as captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test. 

The Gujarat Titans skipper succumbed to a neck injury on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata while attempting a slog sweep off Simon Harmer during India's first innings. He was later taken to the hospital for examination after the day’s play. While Gill was kept under observation and discharged the next day, he was eventually ruled out of the first Test.

Even though Gill travelled to Guwahati with the team, the 26-year-old has been released from the squad ahead of the second Test, and will head to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury. 

In Gill’s absence, India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant will lead the side in Guwahati. Interestingly, Pant will become the 38th Indian Test captain. 

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans star Sai Sudharsan could replace injured Gill in India’s playing XI for the second Test. Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy are the other options, who could emerge as a suitable replacement at that No.4 position.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans all-rounder Washington Sundar impressed with his technique in both innings in the Kolkata Test. 

While batting at No.3 on a difficult pitch at Eden Gardens, Washington seemed to be a natural fit as he lasted 82 and 92 deliveries, scoring 29 and 31 respectively. Washington’s gritty second innings knock gave India a glimmer of hope, before the hosts fell short by 30 runs in Kolkata.

Having registered four wins, one draw and three losses, India are currently placed fourth in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 54.17.

Pant and his men will be aiming to level the Test series 1-1 in order to stay in contention for the ​​WTC 2027 final, scheduled to be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking for a historic 2-0 clean sweep under the leadership of their captain Temba Bavuma. 

With two victories and one defeat, the Proteas are placed second in the WTC 2025-27 standings with a PCT of 66.67.

India vs South Africa head-to-head record in Tests

India and South Africa have faced each other in 45 Test matches so far. India have registered 16 Test victories, while the Proteas have secured 19 wins. As many as 10 Tests have ended in draws. 

India vs South Africa squads for 2nd Test

India’s Test squad: Rishabh Pant (captain/wicket-keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

South Africa’s Test squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wicket-keeper), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper)

Where to watch India vs South Africa 2nd Test match live

The India vs South Africa 2nd Test match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network’s TV channels. 

Live streaming of the India vs South Africa, Guwahati Test will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.