South Africa have added fast bowler Lungi Ngidi to their squad for the second Test against India in Guwahati, signaling that Kagiso Rabada’s participation remains doubtful due to his rib injury. The reinforcement comes as the Proteas look to seal a historic series victory on Indian soil.​

Rabada Still Uncertain

Ngidi’s call-up indicates that Rabada, who missed South Africa’s memorable 30-run victory in Kolkata with a rib injury, is unlikely to be fit for the Guwahati Test starting November 22. While Rabada has traveled with the squad and remains under medical observation, the Proteas are taking no chances by bringing in additional pace cover.​

The 29-year-old Ngidi joined the team at their Kolkata hotel on Tuesday before their scheduled departure to Guwahati on Wednesday.​

Limited Recent Test Action

Ngidi has played 20 Tests in his career, taking 58 wickets at an average of 23.37. However, he has featured in just three Tests since his return in January 2024 during the Cape Town Test against India. His most recent red-ball outing came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June, where he helped South Africa lift the coveted mace.​

His record in India is particularly sparse—just one Test in Ranchi back in 2019, where he went wicketless.​

Recent Match Fitness

Despite limited Test cricket, Ngidi has stayed active in white-ball formats. He was part of South Africa’s ODI and T20I series in Pakistan in October and November, and also turned out for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge last week. This means he has overs in his legs and should be ready if called upon.​

Pace Options

South Africa’s other pace options on tour include Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Wiaan Mulder. At Eden Gardens, the pace attack delivered 40 overs and picked up six wickets, helping the side clinch their first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010.​

While the Kolkata surface offered movement for the quicks, conditions in Guwahati remain a mystery, as the venue has never hosted a Test match before.​

Shubman Gill Update

Meanwhile, India face their own injury concerns. The BCCI has provided an update on captain Shubman Gill’s neck injury, stating he is “responding well”. The 26-year-old, who sustained the injury on day two of the Kolkata Test, will continue to be monitored, and a decision on his participation will be taken in due course.​

If Gill is unavailable, India may choose between left-handers Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal, or opt for seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been withdrawn from the ongoing India A series in Rajkot.​

Series Stakes

The addition of Ngidi underscores how crucial this Test is for both teams. South Africa, now second in the World Test Championship standings after their Kolkata triumph, can seal their first series victory in India since 2000.​

India, meanwhile, have dropped to fourth in the WTC standings after conceding their third loss in the current cycle. They must win in Guwahati to level the series and salvage pride after a humiliating 30-run defeat while chasing just 124.​