South Africa’s growing list of injury concerns has become a talking point ahead of the second Test against India, starting November 22 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. While none of the issues are considered severe at this stage, the visitors are taking no chances. As per a Cricbuzz report, Lungi Ngidi has been drafted in as cover for Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test in Kolkata due to a rib injury suffered during a practice session.

Ngidi, who last played a Test in the World Test Championship final win over Australia at Lord’s, remains a key figure in South Africa’s pace attack. With 58 wickets at an impressive average of 23.37, his experience and control make him an ideal backup option if Rabada is not fully fit for the upcoming clash.

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Adding to the concern, News18 CricketNext revealed that off-spinner Simon Harmer and all-rounder Marco Jansen are also managing minor fitness issues. Harmer is nursing a shoulder problem, while Jansen has a slight niggle. Both players visited Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital—incidentally, the same facility where Shubman Gill was recently treated—for precautionary assessments.

🚨 Lungi Ngidi has been added to South Africa’s squad for the second Test as cover for Kagiso Rabada

Rabada missed the first Test due to a rib injury pic.twitter.com/RVvarWtXWI

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 18, 2025

Their availability for the Guwahati Test remains uncertain, although neither injury is believed to be major. Simon Harmer and Mirco Jansen were instrumental in South Africa’s 30-run win in the opening Test, combining for 13 wickets and applying relentless pressure on India’s batters.

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If Harmer is sidelined, the team could turn to left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthuswamy as a like-for-like replacement. Should Jansen miss out, Ngidi’s return becomes even more critical. Interestingly, while South Africa haven’t formally announced Ngidi’s inclusion, the pacer appeared in a light-hearted team video discussing whether a number 11 batter should be allowed to continue batting solo if the set partner is dismissed.

“As a No. 11, I’ve been in situations where you’re on 99 and I get out,” Lungi Ngidi joked, suggesting the last batter should remain until dismissed. Tony de Zorzi agreed, adding that tailenders can still influence close matches.