South Africa’s Pace Ace in Doubt for Guwahati Showdown

Cricket fans, hold your breath—South Africa’s star pacer Kagiso Rabada’s availability for the second Test against India remains up in the air. The Proteas are sweating over his rib injury that forced him out of the series opener in Kolkata. As of November 14, 2025, the team is awaiting fresh medical reports to decide if their spearhead can return for the November 22 clash in Guwahati. Rabada’s absence was a big blow in the first Test, where India dominated Day 1. Let’s unpack the injury details, first Test recap, and what this means for the series.

Rabada picked up the niggle during SA’s first training session in India on Tuesday, November 11. Scans followed on Wednesday, and a fitness test on match morning sealed his fate—he felt discomfort and was ruled out just hours before toss. Team media manager confirmed: “KG sustained the injury Tuesday, scanned Wednesday, tested Friday morning, and was ruled out.” Despite the late hope, Corbin Bosch stepped in for his fourth Test, but SA’s attack missed Rabada’s fire.

First Test Flashback: India Takes Charge Without Rabada

The Eden Gardens opener was a one-sided affair on Day 1. SA captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and batted, but openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton’s 57-run stand crumbled under Jasprit Bumrah’s magic. Bumrah’s 5/27 in 14 overs—his 16th fifer—bundled SA for 159. Marco Jansen (1/11) got Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but KL Rahul (13*) and Washington Sundar (6*) steadied India to 37/1, trailing by 122.

Without Rabada’s pace (career 305 Test wickets at 21.81), SA’s attack lacked bite. Jansen and Wiaan Mulder tried, but Bumrah’s spell exposed the gap. India, with spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, look set to build a lead on a turning track.

Impact on South Africa: A Big Miss?

Rabada’s absence is huge—SA’s leading pacer with 305 wickets, he’s a wicket-taker in Asia (avg 25.50). His bounce and seam movement trouble Indian batsmen, and without him, the attack relies on Jansen (inexperienced) and Bosch (debutant). Coach Shukri Conrad said: “We’re assessing KG daily; his return would be massive for Guwahati.” No replacements yet, but Lungi Ngidi’s omission from the tour leaves options thin.

For the series (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is), Rabada’s fitness is key—especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind. If he misses Guwahati, SA might tweak with more spin, but it weakens their seam core.

Guwahati Preview: What to Watch

The second Test (Nov 22-26) at Barsapara Stadium could be spin-friendly, but Rabada’s potential return adds seam spice. India, fresh from Day 1 dominance, eyes a series win; SA needs a fightback. Key battles: Bumrah vs Bavuma, Rabada (if fit) vs Rohit Sharma. Weather: Sunny, 28°C—batsman’s paradise?

India vs SA Series So Far

This tour is part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle—India leads 1-0 after Day 1. SA, fresh from a 1-1 Pakistan draw, aims redemption. Rabada’s injury echoes their seam woes in Asia.

Final Take: Fingers Crossed for Rabada

Rabada’s rib injury leaves SA in limbo for the 2nd Test, but medical updates by Nov 20 will clarify. His return could swing the series—fans, what’s your prediction? Share below!