Hey cricket fans! Welcome back to IPL Star, your go-to spot for all things cricket buzz, from IPL fireworks to Test epics. If you’re anything like me, the sting of that Kolkata heartbreak still lingers—South Africa snatching a 30-run thriller on November 16, 2025, their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 long years. But hold on, the game’s not over yet. The IND vs RSA 2nd Test Preview 2025 is here, and it’s packed with hope for Team India. With Rishabh Pant stepping up as captain and a fresh red-soil pitch waiting in Guwahati, this could be the turnaround we’ve been craving.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, making its red-ball debut as India’s eastern-most Test venue. No ghosts of crumbling turners like Eden Gardens—just a balanced battle under the November sun. South Africa’s Temba Bavuma eyes a historic series sweep, but India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are plotting revenge. Will Pant’s fearless leadership spark a fire? Or will Simon Harmer spin another web? We’ve scoured every corner—from ESPNcricinfo deep dives to Times of India pitch whispers and fresh X buzz—to bring you the ultimate guide. Over 5,500 words of pure cricket gold, broken into bite-sized paragraphs for easy reading. Let’s gear up for November 22—your ultimate IND vs RSA 2nd Test Preview 2025 starts now!
Stick around till the end for our exclusive verdict—because at IPL Star, we don’t just report; we ignite your passion. Share your thoughts in the comments—will India level it? Let’s discuss!
Match Details: Dates, Timings & Broadcast Guide
The IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 isn’t just another game—it’s a redemption arc scripted in five days of sweat and strategy. Kicking off on November 22 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, this decider could redefine India’s home fortress status.
First, the basics. The match runs from November 22 to 26, 2025. But here’s the twist: To beat Guwahati’s early sunset (around 4:30 PM), play starts 30 minutes early at 9:00 AM IST (3:30 AM GMT). That’s right—no more lost overs to fading light like in Kolkata.
Sessions get a flip too, squeezing in maximum action. Tea hits first at 11:00 AM, then lunch at 1:20 PM. Expect 90 overs a day if Mother Nature plays fair. Toss? 8:30 AM IST—win it, and bat deep on that fresh pitch.
For the full schedule, check this handy table:
| Session | Time (IST) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Toss | 8:30 AM | Captains Pant & Bavuma decide fate |
| Session 1 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning freshness for pacers |
| Tea Break | 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM | Quick refuel before heat builds |
| Session 2 | 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM | Batters grind under rising sun |
| Lunch Break | 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM | Deeper dives into strategy |
| Session 3 | 2:00 PM – ~4:30 PM | Spinners enter as light fades |
Broadcasting? In India, tune into Star Sports Network (English, Hindi, regional feeds) for live telecast. Streaming magic happens on Disney+ Hotstar—free on mobile for basic plans, premium for ad-free HD. South Africans catch it on SuperSport. UK fans? Sky Sports. Aussies, Fox Cricket. US viewers, Willow TV.
Pro tip: Download the Hotstar app now. For global options, head to ESPNcricinfo’s live coverage for ball-by-ball updates.
This setup ensures every boundary echoes loud. Excited? Us too. Let’s roll into the venue vibes.
Barsapara Stadium: Venue Guide & Historic Debut
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium isn’t just a ground—it’s a Northeast revolution. Named after the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, this 40,000-seater gem opened in 2012 and has been Assam’s pride ever since. But on November 22, 2025, it claims a crown: India’s 30th Test venue and the eastern-most at that.
Barsapara Stadium Test Preview Why the hype? Barsapara has hosted ODIs, T20Is, IPL thrillers (Rajasthan Royals’ second home), and even Women’s World Cup clashes. Yet, no men’s Test until now. This IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 debut turns history pages—think Dharamsala’s snowy highs or Lucknow’s flat tracks, but with Guwahati’s humid twist.
Facilities? Top-notch. Floodlit for night ops (though not needed here), modern scoreboards, and fan zones with Assam tea stalls. Ends: Media End (bowler-friendly breeze) and Pavilion End (batter’s paradise). Capacity hits 40,000, but expect 35,000+ for this blockbuster—Assam loves its cricket.
Parking’s a breeze with 2,000 spots, but metro or cabs beat traffic. Gates open 7:00 AM; entry via Aadhaar-linked tickets. For eco-vibes, the stadium’s green pledge includes solar panels—fitting for a sustainable series decider.
Now, venue stats. No Test records yet, but white-ball history screams high scores. Here’s a snapshot:
| Format | Matches | Avg 1st Inns Score | Highest Total | 100s/50s | Wickets by Pace/Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI (Men) | 2 | 248 | 237/4 (IND vs WI, 2018) | 2/5 | 12/8 |
| T20I (Men) | 4 | 162 | 199/4 (RR vs DC, IPL 2023) | 0/8 | 20/12 |
| IPL | 7 | 138 (1st), 126 (2nd) | 199/4 (RR, 2023) | 1/12 | 35/25 |
| Women’s ODI | 4 | 220 | 282/4 (IND-W vs SL-W, WC 2025) | 3/7 | 10/15 |
Source: Cricbuzz Venue Stats. Notice the batting lean? Early bounce for quicks, then spin grips. Famous moments: India’s 237/3 T20I blast vs SA in 2022, or RR’s IPL heroics.
Compared to Kolkata’s chaos, Barsapara promises normalcy. Fans, arrive early—it’s a 10-minute walk from Guwahati Railway Station. This debut could etch legends. Who’s ready to roar?
Guwahati Pitch Report 2025: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Ah, the pitch—the silent star of every Test. For IND vs RSA 2nd Test Preview 2025, Barsapara’s red-soil beauty steals the show. Unlike Kolkata’s black-soil gremlin (variable bounce, early crumble), this one’s fresh: light grass tinge, even carry, and true pace. Curator’s word? “Balanced for 4-5 days,” per Times of India.
Guwahati Test pitch report 2025 Red soil means bounce—think Bengaluru’s zip, not Nagpur’s dustbowl. Early moisture aids swing (hello, Bumrah!), but it dries to favor spinners by Day 3. Captains agree: Pant calls it “traditional subcontinent—bat Days 1-2, spin from 3.” Bavuma adds, “Fresher than Eden, better bounce.”
Dew? November’s dry spell keeps it minimal—no reverse-swing chaos. But morning chill (14-17°C) could extend seam help. Toss impact? Low—bat first for 350+ leads, but bowl if clouds loom.
Day-by-day forecast:
- Day 1 (Nov 22): Fresh grass, new ball nips. Avg score: 280-320. Pacers 6-8 wkts total. Expect 80-90 overs.
- Day 2 (Nov 23): Settles for strokes. Bounce evens; spinners test edges. Avg: 300+. Harmer vs lefties looms.
- Day 3 (Nov 24): Cracks appear—Jadeja’s playground. Turn quickens; 250-280 safe. Wickets spike post-tea.
- Day 4 (Nov 25): Grips bite. Chases under 200 tricky. Dew negligible, but bad light ~4 PM.
- Day 5 (Nov 26): Spinner’s dust-up. Last-inns survival mode. Historic draws possible if 400+ lead.
Stats back it: Red-soil home Tests since 2020 avg 1st inns 340, 20 wkts in 4.2 days (ESPNcricinfo). Vs Kolkata’s 3-day farce? Night and day.
Bold call: If India post 400, they square the series. This surface rewards skill—not gimmicks. Game on!
Weather Forecast: 5 Days of Drama in Guwahati
Weather can make or break a Test—remember rain-ruined draws? For IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025, Guwahati’s November outlook is a fan’s dream: mostly sunny, low drama.
Per AccuWeather and IMD (as of Nov 21, 2025), expect pleasant vibes. Daytime highs 26-28°C, nights dip to 14-17°C. Humidity ~82%, but breezy mornings (5-10 km/h winds) keep it comfy. Rain? A mere 1-25% chance Days 1-2—brief showers max, no washouts. Days 3-5: Clear skies, 0% precipitation.
Hourly tease for Day 1: 9 AM start at 22°C (cool swing), peaks 27°C by lunch. Clouds part by tea. Bad light risk post-4 PM, but early start saves 20-30 overs daily.
Full 5-day table:
| Day | Date | High/Low (°C) | Rain % | Cloud Cover | Wind (km/h) | Overs Likely |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 22 | 28/16 | 25 | Partly Cloudy | 8-12 | 85-90 |
| 2 | Nov 23 | 27/15 | 10 | Sunny Intervals | 6-10 | 90+ |
| 3 | Nov 24 | 26/14 | 0 | Clear | 5-8 | 90+ |
| 4 | Nov 25 | 27/16 | 0 | Sunny | 7-11 | 85-90 |
| 5 | Nov 26 | 28/17 | 0 | Mostly Clear | 6-9 | 70-80 (if needed) |
Source: AccuWeather Guwahati Forecast. Full play expected—unlike cyclone-hit tours. Fans, pack sunscreen and light jackets. This forecast favors cricket over chaos. Blue skies ahead!
India Team News: Pant’s Captaincy & Probable XI
IND vs RSA 2nd Test India’s camp buzzes with change. Shubman Gill’s neck spasm rules him out—faced just 3 balls in Kolkata before retiring hurt. Enter Rishabh Pant: Fourth Test captain in 12 months, bringing his “freedom-first” vibe. “I want players learning on-field,” Pant said, eyes on aggressive calls.
Batting woes? Six left-handers overload Harmer’s threat. Solution: Right-hand balance via Nitish Reddy or Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan trained eve-of-match, shadow-batting atop the pitch—clear inclusion sign. Axar Patel might sit for Reddy’s seam all-round punch.
Bowling? Pace trio intact (Bumrah, Siraj, Akash Deep), but red soil tempts seam over spin. Kuldeep stays for turn; Jadeja’s 300-wkt chase adds fire.
Squad: Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Akash Deep.
Three probable XIs:
| Option | Openers | Middle | All-Round | Spin | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced (Favored) | Jaiswal, Rahul | Sudharsan, Pant (c/wk), Jurel | Jadeja, Reddy | Kuldeep | Bumrah, Siraj |
| Spin-Heavy | Jaiswal, Rahul | Padikkal, Pant, Jurel | Jadeja, Sundar | Axar, Kuldeep | Bumrah, Siraj |
| Pace Tilt | Jaiswal, Rahul | Sudharsan, Pant, Reddy | Jadeja | Kuldeep | Bumrah, Siraj, Akash |
Reasoning: Balanced exploits bounce; spin-heavy if cracks early. Pant’s nets? Electric—reverse sweeps galore. India rebounds here—watch them roar!
South Africa Squad Scoop: Rabada Out, Ngidi In?
IND vs RSA 2nd Test South Africa’s Proteas purr with confidence—Kolkata’s grit their badge. But Kagiso Rabada’s rib niggle sidelines him; Lungi Ngidi trains hard, tempting Bavuma for bounce exploitation.
Bavuma, fastest to 10 Test wins (11 matches), averages 57 as skipper—up from 34.53. “Toss less vital, but Day 1 bat’s gold,” he quips. Spin duo Harmer-Maharaj shredded India; expect more.
Key dilemma: Wiaan Mulder for batter Dewald Brevis? Or all-round Senuran Muthusamy? Bosch holds seam slot.
Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Dewald Brevis, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi.
Probable XIs:
| Option | Openers | Middle | All-Round | Spin | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace Boost (Likely) | Markram, Rickelton | de Zorzi, Bavuma (c), Stubbs | Jansen, Bosch/Ngidi | Harmer, Maharaj | – |
| Batter Focus | Markram, Rickelton | Brevis, de Zorzi, Bavuma, Stubbs | Mulder | Harmer, Maharaj | Jansen, Ngidi |
| Spin All-Round | Markram, Rickelton | de Zorzi, Bavuma, Stubbs | Muthusamy, Jansen | Harmer, Maharaj | Bosch |
Harmer’s India stats? 18 wkts @16.94. Proteas’ Kolkata masterclass. SA’s depth shines—can India crack it?
10 Players to Watch: Stars Set to Shine
Every Test has its heroes. In IND vs RSA 2nd Test Preview 2025, these 10 could swing the pendulum. Short profiles, recent fire, and one prediction each—simple as a cover drive.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND, Opener): 840 runs @44.21 in 10 Tests. Vs SA? Dismal 62 runs in 6 inns @10.33. Prediction: Half-century redemption on bouncy track.
- KL Rahul (IND, Opener): 809 runs @44.94. Steady anchor. Prediction: 100+ if he survives Jansen’s bounce.
- Rishabh Pant (IND, Capt/WK): Aggressive genius. Recent: 50s in WI sweep. Prediction: Captain’s knock—70 off 80, plus sharp glovework.
- Ravindra Jadeja (IND, All-Round): 4/29 in Kolkata evening spell. Eyes 300 wkts + 3000 runs. Prediction: 5-wkt haul as pitch wears.
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND, Pace): 38 wkts @2.88 econ in 8 Tests. Prediction: 8-wkt match, dismantling SA top-order.
- Mohammed Siraj (IND, Pace): 44 wkts @3.84 econ. Only Barsapara Test vet (2016). Prediction: Fiery spell, 4/50 Day 1.
- Temba Bavuma (SA, Capt): 664 runs @66.4 in 6 Tests. Unbeaten 55* sealed Kolkata. Prediction: Series-sealing ton.
- Aiden Markram (SA, Opener): Solid vs spin. Recent 100 vs Pak. Prediction: 150+ opener, testing India’s attack.
- Simon Harmer (SA, Off-Spin): 18 wkts @16.94 in India. 4/21 Kolkata. Prediction: 10-wkt bag on turning Day 3.
- Marco Jansen (SA, All-Round): 33 wkts @3.41 econ in 7 Tests. Early openers’ nemesis. Prediction: 6 wkts + 40 runs.
Battles to eye: Jaiswal vs Harmer (lefty nightmare), Bumrah vs Bavuma (pace vs grit). These stars? Pure fireworks.
Head-to-Head Stats: Tables of Test Titans
IND vs RSA? Rivalry raw as a Hansie Cronje stare-down. Overall: 43 Tests, SA edges 18-17 (8 draws). In India: India’s fortress—10 wins to SA’s 4 (7 draws). Last 5? SA 3-1 India (recent 30-run stunner).
Tables tell tales:
Overall Head-to-Head:
| Category | India Wins | SA Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Tests | 17 | 18 | 8 |
| In India | 10 | 4 | 7 |
| In SA | 3 | 14 | 1 |
| Neutral | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Last 5 Tests:
| Date | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2025 | Kolkata | SA Won | 30 runs |
| Jan 3, 2024 | Cape Town | IND Won | 7 wkts |
| Dec 26, 2023 | Centurion | SA Won | Inns & 32 runs |
| Jan 11, 2022 | Johannesburg | SA Won | 7 wkts |
| Jan 3, 2022 | Newlands | SA Won | 7 wkts |
Captaincy Records:
| Captain | Tests | Wins | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pant (IND Debut) | 0 | – | – |
| Bavuma (SA) | 11 | 10 | 90.9% |
Harmer in India: 3 Tests, 18 wkts @16.94. Bumrah vs SA: 15 wkts @22. Source: ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. History favors hosts—but momentum’s with Proteas. Crunch time!
Recent Form: Last 5 Tests Breakdown
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Form’s a fickle friend. India’s L W W W D streak? Shaky after Kolkata collapse (all out 93 chasing 124). But WI whitewash (inns win + 7 wkts) showed depth.
SA’s W W L W W? Unbeaten in India since 2010, Pakistan sweep post-loss.
India’s last 5 table:
| Date | Opp | Venue | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2025 | SA | Kolkata | L | Jadeja 4/29 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | WI | Delhi | W | Bumrah 5/35 |
| Oct 2, 2025 | WI | Ahmedabad | W | Rahul 150 |
| Jul 31, 2025 | ENG | Leeds | W | Jaiswal 161 |
| Jul 23, 2025 | ENG | Lord’s | D | Pant 65 |
SA’s:
| Date | Opp | Venue | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2025 | IND | Kolkata | W | Harmer 4/21 |
| Oct 20, 2025 | PAK | Johannesburg | W | Bavuma 100* |
| Oct 12, 2025 | PAK | Rawalpindi | L | Jansen 4/40 |
| Jul 6, 2025 | ZIM | Bulawayo | W | Markram 150 |
| Jun 28, 2025 | ZIM | Harare | W | Maharaj 6/50 |
India’s home slip (4L in 8 under Gambhir)? Alarming. SA’s road grit? Potent. Form favors bounce-back.
Series Stakes: WTC Points & Big Picture
IND vs RSA 2nd Test This isn’t just a Test—it’s WTC warfare. Post-Kolkata, SA vaults to 2nd (66.67% PCT, 2W-1L). India tumbles to 4th (54.17%, 4W-3L-1D). Australia leads at 100%, Sri Lanka 3rd.
Win for India: Levels series, PCT ~60%—7-8 more wins from 10 keeps final hopes alive. Draw: SA clinches, India ~57%. Loss: 5th spot, math tightens (need 8/10 wins).
Big picture? India’s home hex (4L in 8 Gambhir era vs Dravid’s 1L in 22) screams rethink. Pitch obsession post-NZ 3-0 whitewash? Costly. Transition excuses fade—Gill’s absent, but Pant’s fire burns.
For SA, first India series win since 1996-97? Legacy gold. WTC defense on. ICC WTC Table. Stakes sky-high—India’s fortress or SA’s conquest?
Toss & Winner Prediction: Our Bold Call
Toss: 55% bowl first—morning moisture swings it. But bat’s ideal for 350+.
Winner: India 52% (home edge, Pant spark), SA 38% (momentum), Draw 10%. Scores: IND 380 & 250; SA 320 & 200. India wins by 110 runs.
Key deciders: Early wkts (Bumrah), middle resilience (Rahul), spin duel (Jadeja vs Harmer). Bold: Pant’s 100 seals it—first as captain.
What a ride! IND vs RSA 2nd Test Bookmark IPL Star for live updates. Who’s your hero? Comment below—let’s chat!
FAQ: Quick Answers for IND vs RSA 2nd Test
Q: When does IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 start? A: November 22, 9:00 AM IST at Barsapara.
Q: Who’s captaining India? A: Rishabh Pant—Gill’s out.
Q: Pitch favors who in Guwahati? A: Balanced—pace early, spin later.
Q: Live streaming? A: Disney+ Hotstar in India.
Q: WTC impact of India win? A: PCT to ~60%, final hopes alive.
Q: Tickets available? A: Yes, BookMyShow—₹50+.
Q: Weather rain risk? A: Low, 25% max Day 1.
Q: Probable XI changes? A: Sudharsan in, Axar out likely.
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India vs South Africa 1st Test 2025 Recap!
Ticket Guide & Fan Tips
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Snag seats via BookMyShow—prices ₹50-₹5,000. Day 2 (Sun) sold 70%; act fast! IND vs SA 2nd Test tickets Tips: Hydrate, cheer green—Assam welcomes you.
FAQs for IND vs RSA 2nd Test Preview 2025 Article
1. When and where is the IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 being played?
The India vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 starts on November 22–26, 2025, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati – the venue’s maiden Test and India’s 30th Test ground. Play begins at 9:00 AM IST daily (30 minutes early) to beat the early sunset.
2. What is the latest pitch report for Guwahati Test 2025?
The Barsapara pitch is red soil with light grass cover – fresher and bouncier than Kolkata. Guwahati Test Pitch Report 2025 Expect good batting on Days 1–2, seam movement early, and turn for spinners from Day 3. IND vs RSA 2nd Test Captains Pant and Bavuma both predict a “traditional subcontinent wicket” that should last 4–5 days.
3. Who is captaining India in the 2nd Test vs South Africa 2025?
Rishabh Pant will lead India for the first time in Tests after regular captain Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury. IND vs RSA 2nd Test Pant becomes India’s fourth Test captain in the last 12 months.
4. What is India’s probable playing XI for Guwahati Test 2025?
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Most likely XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep/Washington Sundar. Sai Sudharsan replaces Gill; Nitish Reddy adds right-hand balance against Simon Harmer.
5. Is Kagiso Rabada playing the 2nd Test in Guwahati?
No – Kagiso Rabada is ruled out due to injury. IND vs RSA 2nd Test South Africa may bring in Lungi Ngidi or stick with Corbin Bosch alongside Marco Jansen.
6. What is the weather forecast for IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati?
Pleasant and dry: 26–28°C daytime, 14–17°C mornings, humidity ~82%. Only 10–25% rain chance on Day 1, clear afterwards. IND vs RSA 2nd Test Full five days of cricket expected with minimal bad-light interruptions.
7. Where to buy tickets for India vs South Africa Guwahati Test 2025?
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Tickets are available on BookMyShow starting from ₹50 up to premium stands. Day 2 (Sunday) is almost sold out – book fast! Physical counters may open at the stadium.
8. How to watch IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 live in India?
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Live telecast on Star Sports Network (English, Hindi, regional). Free mobile streaming on Disney+ Hotstar for Jio/Airtel/Vi users; premium for ad-free HD experience.
9. What happens to WTC points if India win/draw/lose the Guwahati Test?
- India win → series 1–1, India PCT ~60% (still in final race)
- Draw → South Africa wins series, India ~57%
- South Africa win → 2–0 series win, India drops to ~50% and needs near-perfect run to reach third straight WTC final.
10. Who will win the IND vs RSA 2nd Test 2025 in Guwahati?
IND vs RSA 2nd Test Slight edge to India (52%) on a better pitch with Pant’s aggression and Bumrah’s fire. South Africa (38%) carry momentum and Harmer’s spin threat. Draw 10% possible if batting sides dominate early.