Rabada Absent from Test Match as South Africa Faces India

Post by : Mara Rahim

South Africa will enter the second and final Test match against India in Guwahati without their star fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, due to a rib injury. Rabada, who sustained this injury during training before the initial Test at Eden Gardens, was already sidelined for South Africa’s narrow victory in Kolkata.

To fill Rabada's role, South Africa has summoned seamer Lungi Ngidi, who is poised to step in for the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma stated that the team will finalize the lineup after a thorough evaluation of the Guwahati pitch. According to him, the surface appears greener than that of Kolkata, which might initially benefit bowlers, but will likely favour batsmen as the match progresses.

Bavuma further explained that the pitch in Guwahati is expected to exhibit typical sub-continental behaviour, offering strong support for batters in the early stages before becoming more spin-friendly later on. He underscored the importance of the first innings in determining the outcome of the match. “Winning the toss is crucial since batting on days one and two can confer a distinct advantage,” he remarked.

He was adamant about the team’s intent to play aggressively in Guwahati. “We will not simply play for a draw to maintain our series lead. Our goal is to win every Test. We aim to set the pace,” he reiterated, emphasizing the team's proactive mentality despite Rabada's absence.

In addition to missing the Test, Rabada will also be unavailable for the subsequent three one-day internationals (ODIs) and five T20 matches. He is set to embark on a four-week rehabilitation program to recuperate from his rib injury before making his competitive comeback. His absence is a significant challenge for South Africa’s pace attack, which will need to rely on the likes of Ngidi and others.

On the Indian side, the team faces its own injury woes, with captain Shubman Gill also out due to a neck injury, leaving Rishabh Pant to captain the side in the upcoming Test. Both teams are grappling with key player absences, complicating their strategies and resource management in both batting and bowling departments.

As the second Test looms, anticipation brews for a fiercely contested match, with India looking to equal the series and South Africa striving to hold their momentum, despite the loss of their leading fast bowler. Each team is keen to showcase resilience ahead of the following limited-overs series.