South Africa has been dealt another heavy blow ahead of the second Test against India in Guwahati, with star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada officially ruled out once again. Rabada, who missed the opening Test in Kolkata due to a rib injury sustained during a training drill, has not shown the required improvement in recovery and will sit out the match starting Saturday, November 22.

Confirming the setback on the eve of the Test, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma revealed that the medical staff advised against rushing Rabada back into action.

“Kagiso has been ruled out of the second Test,” Bavuma stated, stressing that while Rabada remains a vital part of South Africa’s attack, his long-term fitness was the priority. His absence forces the visitors into yet another tactical reconfiguration, despite their impressive 30-run victory in the first Test without him.

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Bavuma also offered his first impressions of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium surface — a venue hosting its maiden Test match. He mentioned that the Guwahati pitch carried many traits typical of the subcontinent: firm and batting-friendly early on, before progressively aiding spinners.

“This wicket looks a lot fresher and will be more consistent in terms of variability compared to Kolkata,” Temba Bavuma noted, hinting at a track that might provide steady bounce and a true pace on the opening days. “We will have another look in the morning and decide on Kagiso’s replacement,” he added, indicating that the choice would hinge on the conditions available on match day.

The Proteas skipper further highlighted that the surface had the classic profile of a sub-continental wicket. “The first two days should be good for batting, after which the spinners will come into play,” he said. This assessment could push South Africa towards strengthening their spin options or opting for a balanced bowling attack capable of adapting as the conditions evolve.

With Guwahati making its Test debut, both India and South Africa enter uncharted territory. The uncertainty surrounding the behaviour of the Barsapara pitch adds a new layer of intrigue to an already crucial fixture, especially with a match-winner like Rabada missing and India desperate to overturn their series deficit.

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As both sides fine-tune their plans, all eyes will be on South Africa’s selection strategy — and on how both teams respond to the unfamiliar conditions that could shape the course of the second Test.