India XI 2nd Test South Africa, Rishabh Pant captain

With Shubman Gill ruled out due to injury, India has announced significant changes to its playing XI for the crucial second Test against South Africa at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, beginning Saturday, November 22. This marks the first-ever red-ball international match at the venue and comes at a critical juncture, with India trailing 1-0 in the three-match series.

Pant Takes Over as Test Captain

Rishabh Pant will make his captaincy debut in Test cricket, leading India in what has become a must-win clash. The hosts face the threat of a home whitewash under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching—a feat that would mark only the second time in history. The first occurred in 2000 when South Africa triumphed 2-0 on Indian soil. With no margin for error, India’s selection decisions have gained heightened importance.

Sudharsan Returns; Key Squad Changes

Sai Sudharsan, dropped after the Kolkata Test, makes his return to the playing XI. The 23-year-old faced a rough start to his Test career but impressed with a crucial 87-run knock during India’s second Test against West Indies in Delhi. His reinclusion signals India’s strategy to bolster their batting lineup for this critical encounter.

India’s likely XI for the second Test includes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (Captain/Wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, Axar Patel has been excluded from the squad.