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India vs South Africa Match
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MATCH INFO
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MATCH :
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India vs South Africa Match
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COMPETITION :
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2ND Test
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DATE:
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06-10-2025
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TIME:
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09.00 AM IST
07.30 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Barsapara Stadium
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India 2-0 South Africa Match
Can India Save the Series? Big-Picture Analysis
Ever since the Freedom Trophy was instituted in 2015–16, India and South Africa have treated their Test rivalry as a marquee contest. But the move back to a two-match series has left the cricket short-changed. India, in particular, have suffered from this brevity: after less than three days of cricket in Kolkata, the series is already out of their reach. All they can do now is fight to level it—and avoid a second home series defeat in three attempts after more than a decade of dominance.
Despite India’s sustained success across formats, Test cricket still defines their cricketing identity at home. A defeat—even to the world champions—invites scrutiny. South Africa, after two unsuccessful tours in the last decade, will believe they have finally cracked the Indian code. Even without Kagiso Rabada and with Keshav Maharaj off-colour, they managed to take 20 wickets thanks largely to Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen. With some doubts around their world champion status now fading, they have the chance to win a rare series in the toughest country to tour.
For India, the mission is clear: push South Africa’s depth, restore home supremacy, and prevent the label from slipping to “formerly the toughest place to tour.”
The Central Battle: Jadeja vs Harmer
The Kolkata Test essentially came down to one duel: Ravindra Jadeja vs Simon Harmer. Harmer’s second-innings spell of 4 for 21 broke India; Jadeja’s own brilliant work the previous evening couldn’t be replicated on the third morning. With both spinners primed again, the second Test could hinge on who controls the long spells more effectively.
Team News: Gill and Rabada Ruled Out
India are without captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury after facing only three balls. His absence, along with a left-hander-heavy middle order, increases Harmer’s threat. Nitish Kumar Reddy may return purely for right-hand balance, while B Sai Sudharsan is also in contention to reclaim the No. 3 spot. Axar Patel is the likely spinner to miss out, and Rishabh Pant becomes India’s fourth Test captain in 12 months.
India (probable):
Jaiswal, Rahul, Sudharsan, Jurel, Pant (capt/wk), Reddy, Jadeja, Washington, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Siraj.
South Africa will again miss Rabada, locking in Jansen and Corbin Bosch. The key selection decision revolves around Wiaan Mulder—whether to retain him, add spin depth with Senuran Muthusamy, or bring in the batting flair of Dewald Brevis.
South Africa (probable):
Markram, Rickelton, Mulder/Brevis/Muthusamy, de Zorzi, Bavuma (capt), Stubbs, Verreynne (wk), Bosch, Jansen, Harmer, Maharaj.
Pitch and Conditions
Guwahati makes its debut as India’s eastern-most Test venue, forcing a 9:00 am start to counter an early sunset. After the underprepared Kolkata pitch derailed India, the spotlight now turns to a fresh surface created under a cloud of mixed messaging—from Gambhir’s comments to the curator being indirectly faulted.
Both captains expect the pitch to offer early batting value before taking turn—exactly what they said before the first Test. This time, however, they add that it should “play better,” leaving everyone to interpret cautiously.
Can India Save the Series?
Yes—but the margin is slim. India must stabilize their top order, win the Jadeja–Harmer battle, and use Bumrah and Siraj to seize the early sessions. South Africa, buoyed by tactical clarity and momentum, need only replicate their discipline to secure a landmark series win.
The second Test in Guwahati will decide whether India restore their aura—or whether South Africa complete one of the great away triumphs in modern Test cricket.
