IND vs SA Preview | High-stakes red-ball battle awaits as Guwahati prepares to hosts its first Test

India return to the field intent on course correction. Their defeat at Eden Gardens exposed inconsistencies in middle-order stability and late-innings resilience, despite flashes of brilliance with the ball. The shift to Guwahati, a venue known for pace-friendly morning sessions and gradual turn, places fresh tactical weight on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to reclaim control of the new ball. For the batting unit, Rishabh Pant’s presence remains central, both as wicketkeeper and counterattacking engine capable of breaking pressure cycles.

South Africa, on the other hand, walked into the second Test buoyed by recent momentum and a fast-improving red-ball identity. Their victory in Kolkata showcased both discipline and depth: potent seamers, resilient middle-order contributions and decisive spells from Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Temba Bavuma’s group have displayed adaptability in all conditions over the past year, balancing aggressive tempo with control – an approach that again places them in contention.

The historical ledger leans slightly toward the Proteas (16-19 overall), but India’s home advantage and deeper spin options provide natural balance. What makes this contest compelling is how both teams have evolved tactically in recent years – India more fluid with combinations, South Africa more assertive with selection clarity and batting roles.

Form Guide

A hard-fought draw against England in Manchester set the tone, followed by two commanding wins in the same series, both built on clinical batting and incisive pace spells. Their series opener against West Indies continued that momentum with two comprehensive wins – one by an innings and another by seven wickets.

However, the Kolkata loss to South Africa punctured that rhythm. India’s top order faltered under movement, and late-innings collapses proved costly. Still, the overall run highlights that India generally enter this Test in good form, albeit with a need to tighten situational play.

South Africa dominated Zimbabwe in back-to-back Tests in Bulawayo, winning by 328 runs and an innings. A setback followed in Lahore – defeat by 93 runs – but the response was immediate in Rawalpindi where they bounced back with an assertive eight-wicket win. Their latest result – a 30-run victory over India – cements their current strong trajectory.

India: D W W W L

South Africa: W W L W W

India vs South Africa Head-to-Head

Historically, South Africa hold a narrow advantage over India in Test cricket with an overall tally of 19 wins to India’s 16.

However, recent years have seen this rivalry tighten, with both sides trading series wins home and away. India’s pace evolution has neutralized South Africa’s traditional dominance in seam-friendly conditions, while the Proteas’ spin pairing has helped them stay competitive in Asia.

Across the past decade, meetings between the two teams have been balanced, marked by close fourth-innings chases and low-margin finishes. The most recent clash at Eden Gardens was another tight affair – echoing the trend of Tests decided not by conditions alone but by pressure handling and middle-session execution.

IND 16-19 SA

Pitch and Weather

Barsapara’s red-soil surface is expected to offer early movement and lively bounce for fast bowlers, especially during the first session on Day 1. New-ball control will be crucial, with pacers likely to find seam deviation before the surface settles. As the match progresses, the pitch typically becomes friendlier for run-scoring through Days 1-2, before gradual wear introduces turn for spinners from late Day 3 onward.

The weather forecast for 22 November indicates warm, dry conditions with daytime temperatures around 26-28°C and low chances of rain. Early sunset in Guwahati remains a factor – light tends to fade quickly, so extended final sessions are unlikely. Captains winning the toss may lean towards batting first, aiming to capitalize on the best scoring conditions and avoid batting last on a deteriorating surface.

Team News

India are expected to persist with a blend of youth and experience, focusing on stability at the top and variety in the attack. Rishabh Pant’s leadership presence behind the stumps and ability to shift gears in the middle overs will be vital. The all-round versatility of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar provides structural balance, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj lead a potent pace battery. Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s primary wrist-spin threat if the pitch begins to break up.

South Africa arrived with an in-form and well-synced squad. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton anchor the top order, while the experienced Temba Bavuma – despite wicketkeeping responsibilities – remains the tactical heartbeat of the side. Their bowling options include the long-levered Marco Jansen, the seam strength of Corbin Bosch, and the experienced spin duo of Maharaj and Harmer, giving them depth across conditions.

India (Probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa (Probable XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c/wk), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer

Broadcasting Platforms

The second Test between India and South Africa will be available for fans across multiple platforms, with full live coverage on major sports networks and digital streaming on official cricket portals. Viewers can follow ball-by-ball action, expert commentary, highlight packages and analytical segments across the standard broadcast channels and their associated apps.