Preparing and reading a cricket pitch is a science of its own—almost a parallel sport that demands deep technical understanding and a bit of instinct. Curators constantly balance how much water to use, how the weather might behave, how much live grass to keep on the strip, and which rollers to use at what times. Even with all this knowledge, teams often walk out on match day and still find themselves surprised. As India and South Africa arrive in Guwahati for the second Test, both sides carry the lessons—and confusion—of the Kolkata experience.

For South Africa, there is no reason to complain. They braved the unpredictable conditions at Eden Gardens and walked away with a win. India, however, are under pressure. The chatter around the turning pitch in Kolkata and their inability to chase a modest target has spilt into the buildup for Guwahati. With vital WTC points at stake and the need to level the series, India finds itself searching for clarity. South Africa, meanwhile, stand on the verge of a historic series victory.

Despite the contrasting stakes, there is one common challenge: Guwahati is a brand-new Test venue. Except for Mohammed Siraj, who played here in 2016 in domestic red-ball cricket, no player from either side has meaningful experience at this ground. Yet, from early assessments of the red-soil surface with a light green tinge, both teams expect a familiar subcontinental pattern.

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Temba Bavuma believes the pitch looks “fresher” than Kolkata’s, with more grass and more consistent bounce. He anticipates good batting conditions for the first two days before spin comes into play from Day 3. India shares a similar view—hoping for early assistance for pacers and a gradual turn later in the match.

Guwahati’s maiden Test also comes with logistical tweaks. A 30-minute early start has been scheduled to counter the region’s early sunset. Tea will precede lunch, ensuring maximum overs before fading light stops play. As both teams prepare for an unfamiliar venue, one truth remains: in cricket, no pitch ever comes with guarantees.

India

Shubman Gill has officially been ruled out of the Guwahati Test despite signs of improvement, leaving Rishabh Pant to lead India. The team’s pre-match patterns offered clues about their batting plans. Sai Sudharsan, who rarely trains a day before playing, hit the nets early ahead of the Kolkata Test but didn’t make the XI. In Guwahati, he trained two days before the game and again on the eve of the Test, even shadow-batting on the main pitch. His preparation suggests he is the frontrunner to replace Gill.

However, Sudharsan’s inclusion would mean India fielding seven left-handers — something South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer would gladly exploit. Pant hinted that the management is aware of the imbalance, which could lead to Axar Patel being rested for the right-handed Nitish Reddy, while Sudharsan slots in at No. 4.

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

South Africa

Kagiso Rabada remains unavailable. Lungi Ngidi, having trained for two days, is a tempting option, though Temba Bavuma said the final call will be made on match morning, with Corbin Bosch the likely one to miss out.

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