Guwahati is set to host its inaugural test match this weekend as India and South Africa prepare to face off in the second match of their series, following a disappointing defeat for the hosts in kolkata. The Indian team is responding to the spin dominance displayed by South Africa at Eden Gardens by preparing a pitch expected to offer more pace and bounce, utilizing local red soil for the surface. Uncertainty surrounds captain Shubman Gill’s participation due to a neck injury, potentially paving the way for Rishabh Pant to lead the side, alongside potential batting adjustments as the team regroups.
A Pitch Favoring Pace and Bounce Awaits India-South Africa Second Test in Guwahati After Kolkata Defeat
Guwahati: Following a stunning loss in the first Test in Kolkata, preparations are underway for a pitch with pace and bounce for the second India-South Africa Test in Guwahati. India were bowled out for just 93 runs while chasing a target of 124 in the fourth innings at Eden Gardens, with South African spinners proving to be the difference.
In response, the pitch for the upcoming match is being prepared using red soil. This ground is the home turf of BCCI chief curator Ashish Bhoumik, and will host its first-ever Test match. The series is crucial for both teams as they look to gain momentum in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
India may be forced into a change as Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature due to injury, potentially handing the captaincy to vice-captain Rishabh Pant for the second Test.
The Indian team engaged in focused batting practice ahead of the second Test, returning to Eden Gardens for a session. Still reeling from the batting collapse at Eden Gardens, the team opted to continue their preparation at the same venue before departing for Guwahati. Six players participated in the session, with Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja spending significant time at the crease.
Captain Shubman Gill’s neck injury casts doubt on his availability for the Guwahati Test. Sai Sudharsan is expected to replace Gill in the squad, a possibility hinted at during the Eden Gardens practice session. Sudharsan spent hours batting without leg pads, while right-handed batter Dhruv Jurel practiced reverse sweeps without padding his left leg. Both batsmen primarily faced spin bowlers.
The specialized training for Sudharsan was aimed at preventing him from getting trapped in front of the wicket against South Africa’s spin attack, allowing him to confidently use his bat to defend without the protection of his front pad. Jurel also worked on playing the risky reverse sweep, removing the pad from his front leg.
The batting practice was closely monitored by head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who provided regular feedback to the players. Ravindra Jadeja spent the most time in the nets. India have also recalled all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to the squad following Gill’s injury. The second Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Guwahati.
