South Africa remain uncertain about Kagiso Rabada’s availability for the second Test in Guwahati after their pace spearhead was ruled out of the Eden Gardens opener with a rib injury. The team management confirmed he’s still “undergoing further assessments” with medical staff.​

Injury Timeline

Rabada sustained the rib injury during South Africa’s first training session on Tuesday after arriving in India. The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Wednesday morning, followed by a fitness test on Friday—the morning of the match.​

“KG sustained the injury during the first training session on Tuesday, then he underwent a scan on Wednesday morning, and then underwent a fitness test this morning and was experiencing discomfort and then was ultimately ruled out of the game,” the team media manager told PTI.​

Last-Minute Withdrawal

The Proteas kept the decision on Rabada’s participation open until Friday morning, hoping he might recover in time. However, persistent discomfort during the fitness test forced them to rule him out at the last minute, requiring a reshuffle of their playing XI.​

Second Test Uncertainty

When asked about Rabada’s chances of featuring in the second Test starting November 22 in Guwahati, the team media manager remained non-committal. “He’s still undergoing further assessments with the medical team,” was all he would say.​

The vague statement suggests South Africa genuinely don’t know whether their premier fast bowler will be ready for Barsapara Stadium. Rib injuries can be tricky—they require complete rest and any premature return risks aggravating the problem or causing long-term damage.

Bosch Steps In

Rabada’s absence meant Corbin Bosch was drafted into the XI for only his fourth Test, joining Marco Jansen and seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the pace attack. The 30-year-old all-rounder has played just three Tests previously, making this a significant step up in responsibility.​

Without Rabada’s experience and wicket-taking ability, South Africa’s bowling looked toothless at Eden Gardens. They were bundled out for just 159 on day one, with Jasprit Bumrah running riot with figures of 5/27 in his 16th five-wicket haul.​

Rabada’s Importance

The absence of South Africa’s pace spearhead is a massive blow. Rabada has taken 308 wickets in 72 Tests at an average of 22.25, making him one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. His ability to generate steep bounce and swing the ball both ways makes him particularly dangerous in subcontinental conditions where pace bowlers typically struggle.

In Tests against India, Rabada has been especially effective, claiming 44 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 28.45. His last tour to India in 2015 saw him take 10 wickets in three Tests, demonstrating his ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

South Africa’s Struggles

Without Rabada, South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain India at Eden Gardens. After dismissing the hosts for 189 in reply to their 159, the Proteas now face an uphill battle. Marco Jansen took three wickets while off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed 4/30, but the lack of a genuine pace threat was evident.​

India captain Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck injury during the first innings, adding another subplot to an already eventful Test match.

Looking Ahead

With eight days between the first and second Tests, South Africa have time on their side. Rabada will undergo continuous medical assessments during this period, with team doctors monitoring his pain levels and mobility.

If he remains unavailable, South Africa must decide whether to stick with Bosch or bring in another specialist pacer. Either way, playing without their strike bowler in alien conditions significantly reduces their chances of success against a formidable Indian lineup.