Lungi Ngidi Added to South Africa Squad for 2nd Test vs India as Rabada Doubt Grows

South Africa have strengthened their squad for the second Test against India by bringing in fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. The match will be played at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Proteas started the series on a high, beating India by 30 runs in an exciting first Test at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, before the first Test even began, South Africa’s main fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, had to sit out due to a sudden injury.

His unexpected absence meant the team had to quickly change their plans and adjust the playing XI, leaving them without their top bowler at the very last moment. In an effort to prevent a similar predicament, the team management has brought in Ngidi as additional cover for Rabada.

Lungi Ngidi joins South Africa squad for 2nd Test against India

The move ensures South Africa have a reliable pace option readily available should Rabada fail to recover in time or if any unforeseen issues arise before the second Test. Ngidi has played only one Test match in India. In that game, the 30-year-old bowled 20 overs and gave away 83 runs but did not take any wickets. India is the only country where he has played a Test and not picked up a wicket. He will be eager to change that if he gets another opportunity.

India captain Shubman Gill will travel with the squad to Guwahati for the second Test against the Temba Bavuma-led side, though his availability remains uncertain as he continues recovering from a neck injury suffered in the first Test.

Gill experienced a neck spasm after a cover drive in the first innings at Eden Gardens and retired hurt before being hospitalised. He didn’t play any more in that match and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of nights. Now, as per a Cricbuzz report, Gill is expected to rejoin the team unless there’s a last-minute change. The plan to take him to Mumbai for a specialist check-up has also been dropped.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi