IND vs SA: Two changes India National Cricket Team might make for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati

The Indian National Cricket Team had a poor time with the bat in the first IND vs SA Test. On a tough Eden Gardens pitch, the Shubman Gill-led side suffered a disappointing 30-run defeat. This has now put them under immense pressure and the focus will now be on the second Test.

The IND vs SA second Test will be played from November 22 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. It will be a must-win game for the India National Cricket Team as they need to win it to stay in contention for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final. 

The demons of the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand last year came to haunt the India National Cricket Team in the first IND vs SA test.   This could be the same in the second match if India doesn’t correct what they missed in the last game.

Before the second IND vs SA test begins, we take a look at two changes the India National Cricket Team might make for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati 

Two changes the India National Cricket Team might make for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati 

Sai Sudharsan in place of Shubman Gill 

Indian test captain Shubman Gill is all set to miss the second IND vs SA test. He faced a neck injury in the first match in Kolkata and was even admitted to the hospital. His availability for the second test remains under clouds and it is expected that Sai Sudharsan will replace him in the XI. The left-hander was shockingly left out of the XI in the first test with Washington Sundar asked to bat at three. 

Sai Sudharsan played for India in the Tests against the West Indies. He looked in decent touch with him being a good player of spin, he will surely act as a vital cog in the wheel. The question now remains where he will bat as he has batted at three in the last two series. Here four slots will be empty as Sundar did great in the first Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Axar Patel

Nitish Kumar Reddy was released from the squad for the first IND vs SA Test.  However, after India suffered a loss in the first match, he rejoined the team for the second match. A plethora of left-handers in the Indian team caused them trouble in the first match as there were a few left-right combinations for India, which was one of the main reasons behind the team’s struggle against spin. 

Axar Patel might have to face the axe for the second Test to accommodate Nitish Kumar Reddy. The right-hander has been doing well for his state team as well as the Indian team. He would be keen to make the most of the opportunity and help his team win the second test and level the series.