India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Must-win Battle in Guwahati as Hosts Fight to Avoid Whitewash

India will walk into the second Test against South Africa at the Assam Cricket Stadium today with their backs against the wall. Trailing 0–1 in the two-match series, the hosts now face the daunting challenge of avoiding their first-ever Test whitewash at home.

The buildup to the match intensified after confirmation that star opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to injury despite making every effort to be fit in time. Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant addressed the media, stating, “Gill tried his best to be available, but the injury made it impossible.” Pant now becomes India’s 38th Test captain.

Reshuffled Batting Order and Unusual Preparations

With Gill unavailable, India have been forced to rethink their top order. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open, while young Sai Sudharsan is likely to slot in at either No. 3 or No. 6. The team’s training pattern changed as well — instead of the usual reserves-only pre-match session, three first-choice batters turned up early with head coach Gautam Gambhir and extended support staff.

Gambhir spent significant time guiding Jaiswal, urging him to play compactly and closer to the body — a clear sign that the opening session could define India's momentum.

Pitch Report: Spin Later, Pace Early

Both captains expect the red-soil track to turn from Day 3 onward, offering more batting comfort compared to Kolkata. But with a 9 am start and slight grass cover left intentionally, fast bowlers may dictate terms early.

Adding to India’s relief, South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out. However, skipper Temba Bavuma hinted at Lungi Ngidi’s return, calling his current form “the best he’s ever bowled.” Another tweak may include left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy replacing the underperforming Keshav Maharaj.

Selection Calls: Nitish Reddy Likely, Axar May Sit Out

With a left-handed heavy middle order, India may turn to right-hander Nitish Reddy, who also offers a bowling option. This could mean Axar Patel makes way. Pant confirmed that “all selected players have been informed about their roles.”

Conditions and Pressure: No Room for Error

Another factor India must overcome is early sunset. With light fading by 3:45 pm, overs could be lost — something that doesn’t help India, who need nothing short of a win.

With World Test Championship points on the line and memories of last year's 3-0 defeat in New Zealand still painful, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Pant summed up the mood:

“At this level, pressure is part of the game. What matters is keeping a clear mindset and giving 200%. We know what’s at stake.”

Whether that spirit will be enough to stop South Africa from scripting history — and India from suffering another painful series loss — will be decided over the next few days as Assam hosts its first-ever Test.