The mood in the Indian camp is tense. After a shocking collapse at Eden Gardens saw them bundled out for 93 chasing just 124, India finds themselves 0-1 down in this short 2-match series. The action now shifts to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati for the 2nd Test starting November 22, 2025.
With the series on the line, the hosts have been dealt a massive blow: Captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out with a neck injury. This leaves the charismatic Rishabh Pant to take the armband and lead a side desperate for redemption.
Can Pant’s “Bazball” style turn the tide, or will South Africa secure their first series win in India in 25 years? Here is your ultimate betting guide.
Team News: The “No Gill, No Kohli” Era
This is officially a new era for Indian cricket. With Virat Kohli not in the squad and Shubman Gill injured, the spotlight falls on India’s young brigade.
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India: Sai Sudharsan is expected to slot in at No. 3. All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant—not just as a batter, but as a captain under extreme pressure. The bowling attack of Bumrah and Siraj must fire early.
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South Africa: The visitors are flying high. Temba Bavuma played a captain’s knock in Kolkata, and spinner Simon Harmer (8 wickets in the 1st Test) proved that South Africa can beat India at their own spin game. Since Dean Elgar‘s retirement, Aiden Markram has stepped up admirably at the top.
Series So Far: A Glimpse into the Rivalry
The first Test set a thrilling tone, showcasing competitive cricket from both sides. While performances in the previous match will carry weight, the change in venue significantly alters the equation. India will be eager to bounce back, while South Africa aims to consolidate their position.
India’s Strategy: Leveraging Home Advantage
Playing in India brings a distinct advantage for the home team. The pitches, typically offering more turn and less consistent bounce than South African wickets, will be a key factor.
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Spin Dominance: India’s formidable spin attack, featuring experienced campaigners, will be licking its lips at the prospect of playing on turning tracks. Expect them to play a far more prominent role.
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Batting Prowess: Indian batsmen are masters of their home conditions. They will look to put up substantial totals, taking advantage of more predictable bounce and spin-friendly surfaces. Key figures like jaiswal and rishabh pant will be crucial anchors.
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Strategic Changes: The team management might consider tweaking the playing XI to best suit the home conditions, potentially bringing in additional spin options or reinforcing the batting.
South Africa’s Challenge: Adapting to Indian Conditions
South Africa’s formidable pace attack, while effective elsewhere, will face a different challenge in India.
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Spin Test: Their batsmen will need to show greater proficiency against quality spin bowling, a traditional test for touring sides in India.
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Pace Adaptation: While their fast bowlers are world-class, they might need to adjust their lengths and lines to be effective on flatter or slower pitches.
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Mental Toughness: Adapting quickly to contrasting conditions and dealing with passionate home crowds will be a testament to their mental strength.
Pitch Report: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
Unlike the turner at Eden Gardens, Guwahati traditionally offers value for fast bowlers early on with good carry.
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Betting Tip: Expect the pacers (Bumrah/Rabada) to dominate the first two sessions. Runs will flow easier on Days 2 and 3.
Betting Odds: The Market Reaction
Despite the loss, bookmakers still respect India’s home record.
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India Win: 2.10 (Slight Favorites)
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South Africa Win: 3.40 (High Value)
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Draw: 5.50
Expert Prediction: India is a wounded tiger. With the pitch likely to be better for batting than Kolkata, expect India’s young lineup to post a big score. Back India to win and level the series 1-1.
Win Percentage (Overall Venue Trends)
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Batting First Win %: ~45%
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Batting Second Win %: ~35%
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Draw Probability: ~20% (weather usually clear)
Top Player Predictions (High Value Bets)
1. Top Batsman (India): Yashasvi Jaiswal
With Gill out, the onus is on Jaiswal. He looked good briefly in the 1st Test before the collapse. The Guwahati bounce suits his aggressive cut and pull shots.
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Odds: ~4.00
2. Top Bowler (South Africa): Kagiso Rabada
While Harmer stole the show in Kolkata, Guwahati is Rabada’s territory. The extra zip off the surface will make him lethal against India’s inexperienced middle order.
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Odds: ~3.50
3. Man of the Match: Rishabh Pant
Pant thrives on adversity. Captaining the side in a must-win game is exactly the stage he loves. A counter-attacking century could be on the cards.
Top Betting Markets for IND vs SA 2nd Test
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Match Winner
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Top India Batsman
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Top South Africa Batsman
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Top Bowler (Both Teams)
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Session Runs (10-over / 15-over)
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First Innings Lead
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Player of the Match
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Total 6s / Total Wickets
Best Value Picks
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Top India Batsman: Jaiswal
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Top SA Batsman: Aiden Markram
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Top India Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
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Top SA Bowler: Rabada / Jansen
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High-Value Longshot: Jadeja for Player of the Match
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