Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been added to South Africa’s squad for the second Test against India in Guwahati, which begins on Saturday. His inclusion suggests that Kagiso Rabada, who missed South Africa’s thrilling victory in Kolkata due to a rib injury, remains a doubtful starter for the second Test. The visitors’ alternative fast bowling options include Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Wiaan Mulder.
Ngidi joined the South African squad at their Kolkata hotel on Tuesday before their scheduled departure to Guwahati on Wednesday. The fast bowler has played 20 Tests so far in his career, but only three of those since making his comeback in January 2024 against India in Cape Town. His last red-ball appearance was in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June. Ngidi has only played one Test in India – a wicketless performance in Ranchi in 2019.
Although his recent red-ball appearances have been limited, Ngidi has been active in white-ball cricket, having been part of South Africa’s ODI and T20I squads during the October-November series in Pakistan. He also played for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge last week.
At Eden Gardens, South Africa’s quicks bowled 40 overs and claimed six wickets in their memorable first Test victory in India since 2010. The Kolkata pitch provided plenty of assistance for the seamers, but the conditions in Guwahati remain uncertain, as the venue has never hosted a Test match before.
Ngidi’s inclusion could add a fresh dynamic to South Africa’s pace attack. While the conditions in Guwahati are still unclear, his pace and experience could prove to be crucial in challenging India’s strong batting line-up.