The second Test in Guwahati is a must-win for India. After an unexpected loss in Kolkata, the home team is under significant pressure. With South Africa leading the series 1-0, another defeat would mean a crushing 2-0 series loss at home.

This is no longer just a cricket match; it’s about India’s pride and the chance to restore their reputation. The only way forward for the home team is to win this match and level the series. With pressure mounting, Guwahati offers a vital chance for India to stage a comeback and prove they belong at the top.

South Africa’s Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen are poised to trouble India’s batters with their spin and pace threat. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav offer India a chance to turn the game around. The team that reaches 250 runs first is likely to dominate the match.

Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen are key match-winners for South Africa, but Pant has the potential to turn the game. The team that handles pressure and delivers in key moments is likely to come on top in the Test.

Pitch Report

The Barsapara pitch is good for batting, but as the game progresses, the cracks appear on Day 2, which will help spinners. The hard surface could also bring reverse swing into play. Winning the toss should prompt the team to bat first, as batting will become increasingly tough in the fourth innings. A total of 250–300 in the first innings will be considered a solid score, with spin bowlers coming into play from Day 1’s second session.

IND vs SA Test head-to-head records

Across 44 Test encounters, South Africa have registered 19 victories to India’s 16, while 10 matches have ended in a draw.

IND vs SA probable XI

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis,Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorrey, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Baavuma (c), Senuuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabadaj, Kagi.

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel/Nitish Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, Jasprit Bumrah, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

India vs South Africa: Match Prediction

India must bounce back strongly in Guwahati, showcasing improved batting and a more effective spin attack. While South Africa will challenge them, India’s squad has the depth and strength to level the series at 1-1.