South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, third from left, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) South Africa suffered another major setback ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, with premiership fast bowler Kagiso Rabada officially retiring. Rabada, who injured his ribs in training ahead of the Kolkata Test, is still not fully fit and will miss Saturday’s match. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma confirmed the development during his pre-match media interaction. “Kagiso has been dropped from the second Test,” Bavuma said, adding that the pacer also missed the series opener, which South Africa won by 30 runs.
The Indian cricket team was wearing a new training kit when they arrived in Guwahati
Bavuma said the surface at the Barsapara Stadium looked more traditional compared to the spicy Eden Gardens pitch. “This wicket looks fresher and should behave more consistently than Kolkata. It’s a typical subcontinental track where the batsmen enjoy the first two days before the spinners take over,” he noted. There will be a final call to replace Rabada in the South African camp on Saturday morning. Guwahati is hosting a Test for the first time, which adds another layer of unpredictability for both sides. Ongoing Test India Vs. South Africa in Guwahati has an early start at 9:00 am IST instead of the usual 9:30 am to align with the region’s early sunrise and sunset. On the Indian front, the BCCI has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will lead the side, with regular skipper Shubman Gill released from the squad to fully recover from the neck spasm he suffered during the first Test. Pant, serving as the series vice-captain, will take charge in the must-win tournament as India look to level the two-match competition.
