Guwahati, Nov 22 (NationPress) India has made strategic inclusions of B Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while South Africa has replaced Corbin Bosch with Senuran Muthusamy after opting to bat first during the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium this Saturday.

A victory in Guwahati is crucial for India to equalize the series and avert their second Test series defeat at home in two years. Meanwhile, South Africa, the current World Test Championship titleholders, aims for their first Test series victory in India since the Hansie Cronje-led team triumphed here in 2000.

Guwahati is hosting its inaugural Test match, and South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma expressed his excitement about participating in this historic event, while also bringing in an additional spinner in Muthusamy.

"We need to reset our approach. Today is a fresh start. The players are eager for this match. The pitch looks promising. Our goal is to bat first, accumulate a substantial score, and then navigate the game from there," Bavuma stated.

“The pitch appears more consistent with its grass cover, showing no significant cracks. It should perform well for the first couple of days. We’re excited, knowing the Indian fans are always supportive. I'm thrilled to be part of this landmark occasion and hope to continue making history in our favor,” he added.

On the Indian side, Rishabh Pant has taken on the leadership role, becoming the team’s 38th Test captain and only the second wicketkeeper-batsman after MS Dhoni to lead India in Tests. Interestingly, Pant is making his captaincy debut at the venue where he launched his ODI career back in 2018. Sai is replacing Shubman Gill, who is sidelined due to a neck injury from the Kolkata Test, while Nitish steps in for Axar Patel.

"It’s certainly a proud moment. As a cricketer, leading your country is a dream, and I’m grateful to the BCCI for this opportunity. I didn’t anticipate this, but I aim to seize it and perform my best for the team. The focus is on personal improvement as well as team unity," Pant commented.

“We are assessing areas for team improvement and are committed to fighting for every moment. The pitch seems favorable for batting, but bowling first could also be advantageous. Shubman is on the mend; he was eager to play, but his body didn’t permit it. He'll return stronger," he added.

Playing XIs

India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, and Keshav Maharaj