IND vs SA 2025: South Africa adds pacer Lungi Ngidi to squad for Guwahati Test

Published - 19 Nov 2025, 14:01 IST | Updated - 19 Nov 2025, 14:32 IST

South Africa has strengthened their pace attack ahead of the second Test against India in Guwahati by adding fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. Meanwhile, the visitors are leading the series 0-1 after a historic win in Kolkata and India is desperately looking to bounce back.

The big talking point heading into the Guwahati Test has been Kagiso Rabada’s fitness. The premier fast bowler missed the Kolkata Test due to a rib injury, and his recovery remains uncertain. Without Rabada, South Africa still pulled off a remarkable 30-run win at Eden Gardens, making it their first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010. Notably, Guwahati is set to host its maiden Test match.

With Rabada's availability still in question, the South Africa team has inclined towards Ngidi. The 29-year-old has played 20 Tests, picking up 58 wickets, but has featured rarely in red-ball cricket over the past two years. His last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June, and he has played just one Test in India back in 2019.

BCCI unsure of Shubman Gill's participation in Guwahati Test

Despite limited recent red-ball action, Ngidi has been active in white-ball cricket, participating in South Africa’s ODI and T20I tours of Pakistan and appearing for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge. His

South Africa’s pace attack in Kolkata was led by Marco Jansen, who, along with Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder, put the hosts under pressure. With Ngidi’s addition, South Africa now has the flexibility to adjust their attack.

India, meanwhile, faces their own set of challenges. Shubman Gill, who retired hurt early in the Kolkata Test with neck spasms, has been cleared to travel but remains doubtful to play. India may choose between left-handers Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal, or take a different route with seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The hosts also have questions over their lineup balance. Axar Patel struggled on the turning Eden Gardens surface, while Washington Sundar impressed with his batting at the crease.