India are taking on South Africa in the second Test at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22. The venue becomes the 30th stadium in India to host a Test match, marking a significant milestone for cricket in the region. South Africa entered the contest with a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, adding pressure on the hosts to stage a strong comeback.
On this special occasion, India were led for the first time by Rishabh Pant, who stepped in as captain in the absence of Shubman Gill. Gill has been advised rest after experiencing neck cramps, prompting the leadership change. Ahead of the game, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma joined Pant in signing a commemorative portrait of the ACA Stadium. The ceremony was attended by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who presented both captains with a gold-plated memorial coin for the toss, marking the historic inaugural Test in Guwahati.
Speaking about the match, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. India introduced Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan into their playing XI as part of a reshuffled line-up designed to revive their chances in the series. The visitors made one change of their own, bringing in Senuran Muthusamy in place of Corbin Bosch. South Africa had earlier secured a 30-run victory in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.