Rishabh Pant took over as captain in Shubman Gill’s absence, leading India for the first time on this momentous occasion. The leadership transition was brought about by Gill’s neck cramps, which prompted the recommendation that he rest. At the occasion, which marked the historic first Test in Guwahati, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia gave both captains a gold-plated memorial coin for the toss.
The second Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This marks an important milestone for cricket in the area as the stadium becomes the 30th in India to host a Test match. South Africa led the two-match Test series 1-0 going into the match, which increased the pressure on the hosts to mount a valiant comeback.
Pant and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma signed a commemorative portrait of the ACA Stadium prior to the match.
A moment to cherish! 🙌
BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Devajit Saikia presents the two captains with Memorial gold-plated toss coins to mark the inaugural Test in Guwahati! 👏
Rishabh Pant and Temba Bavuma also signed a special ACA Stadium portrait to honour the occasion.
Updates… pic.twitter.com/mPLFMxi1Yo
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2025
In terms of the game, South Africa chose to bat first after winning the toss. Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy were added to India’s playing XI as part of a lineup change intended to improve their chances of winning the series. Senuran Muthusamy replaced Corbin Bosch as the only alteration made by the visitors. At Eden Gardens in Kolkata, South Africa had previously won the first Test by a margin of thirty runs.
South Africa scored 159 runs in the first innings of that game thanks to a brilliant performance of 5 for 27 by Jasprit Bumrah. Simon Harmer’s outstanding 4 for 30 helped India respond with 189. Then, in their second innings, South Africa scored 153, driven by Bavuma’s tenacious, undefeated 55. Harmer once again shone with figures of 4 for 21, but the hosts collapsed and were dismissed for just 93.
India will now try to regroup and level the series with a new combination. With four wins from eight games, India is presently ranked fourth in the World Test Championship (2025–27) standings, while the reigning champions are in second place with two wins from three games.
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