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India vs South Africa, 2nd Test 2025: Match Preview, Probable XI, Barsapara Pitch Report, Key Battles & How to Watch

ByShubham Singh

India vs South Africa 2nd Test: India Fight for Survival as South Africa Aim for Historic Away Triumph

The South Africa tour of India 2025 reaches a crucial point as both sides lock horns in the 2nd Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, starting November 22, 2025 (9:00 AM IST). After a stunning defeat in Kolkata, India must win to avoid their first home Test series loss to South Africa in 26 years. Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa arrive with momentum and a golden chance to clinch a rare Test series win on Indian soil.

India vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 – Match Details

  • Match: India vs South Africa, 2nd Test
  • Date: November 22–26, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM IST
  • Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
  • Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
  • Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

2nd Test Probable Playing XIs

India (Likely XI)

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • KL Rahul
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Dhruv Jurel
  • Rishabh Pant (c/wk)
  • Washington Sundar
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Mohammed Siraj
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Jasprit Bumrah

Bench: Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar, Sarfaraz Khan

South Africa (Likely XI)

  • Aiden Markram
  • Ryan Rickelton
  • Temba Bavuma (c)
  • Tony de Zorzi
  • Tristan Stubbs
  • Kyle Verreynne (wk)
  • Marco Jansen
  • Corbin Bosch
  • Simon Harmer
  • Keshav Maharaj
  • Kagiso Rabada

Bench: Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, Rassie van der Dussen

India vs South Africa 2nd Test Pitch Report

Pitch Nature

Barsapara will be hosting its first-ever men’s Test, and the surface is likely to behave like typical red-soil East Indian tracks:

  • Day 1: Pace, seam movement, consistent bounce
  • Day 2 afternoon onward: Increasing turn
  • Day 3–4: Rough patches and unpredictable bounce
  • Day 5: Extreme spin & cracks coming into play

Spin Factor

The pitch is expected to break down early, bringing Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja, Harmer, and Maharaj into the game.

Pace Factor

Morning moisture will assist:

  • Bumrah & Siraj
  • Rabada & Jansen

Expect reverse swing after 30–40 overs.

Weather Conditions

  • Play begins 9:00 AM due to early sunset.
  • Cool mornings, cloudy spells possible.
  • Revised session timings: Tea before Lunch to avoid bad light loss.

Par Score

  • First-innings target: 320–350
  • Batting gets harder by Day 3.

Series Situation & Key Context

  • South Africa lead 1–0 after a tight 30-run win in Kolkata.
  • India haven’t lost a home Test series to South Africa since 1999.
  • South Africa’s spin attack outperformed India’s in the first Test—an unexpected twist.

This match decides if:

  • India level the series 1–1, or
  • South Africa seal a historic Test series victory.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Rishabh Pant vs Kagiso Rabada / Marco Jansen

Pant’s aggressive counter-attacking style vs SA’s world-class left-arm and right-arm pace threat.

2. Jadeja & Kuldeep vs Bavuma & Rickelton

India rely heavily on spin; SA’s middle-order must survive long spells.

3. Sai Sudharsan at No.3 vs Jansen’s bounce

Sudharsan’s technique will be tested early in the innings.

Players to Watch

India

  • Rishabh Pant: Must lead from the front with runs and tactics
  • Kuldeep Yadav: Expected to be the biggest wicket-taker on this track
  • KL Rahul: Stability needed at the top
  • Jasprit Bumrah: Will enjoy early assistance

South Africa

  • Kagiso Rabada: Key to breaking India’s top order
  • Keshav Maharaj: Will trouble right-handers from Day 3
  • Temba Bavuma: Crucial for holding SA’s batting together
  • Simon Harmer: India’s left-handers face a major challenge

Where to Watch – Live Cricket Score & Streaming

  • TV: Star Sports Network
  • Streaming: JioHotstar
  • Ball-by-ball commentary: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports

Match timings: 9 AM to 4 PM IST (revised sessions due to early sunset).

Match Prediction

Given the pitch and pressure:

  • India are slight favorites thanks to superior spin depth and home familiarity.
  • But South Africa’s discipline, pace attack, and momentum make them strong contenders for a rare Test series win.

Expect a low-scoring, spin-dominated thriller.

Conclusion

The India vs South Africa 2nd Test in Guwahati promises high drama, strategic depth, and significant historical weight. With the series outcome hanging in the balance, India will rely on their star-studded spin attack and Rishabh Pant’s leadership to bounce back. South Africa, buoyed by their Eden Gardens win, will look to exploit India’s vulnerabilities and etch their name in history books.

Cricket fans can expect an intense contest filled with turning tracks, pace battles, strategic decisions, and moments that could define the season for both teams.

Related post: India vs South Africa, 1st Test 2025

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