South Africa have been dealt a major blow ahead of the second Test against India, with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada officially ruled out of the contest in Guwahati. The match, which begins on November 22 at the Barsapara Stadium, marks the venue’s debut in the Test arena and comes with the series intriguingly poised after the Proteas’ strong win in Kolkata.

Rabada had already missed the opening Test due to a rib injury sustained during a training session. While South Africa managed to clinch victory without him, his absence remains significant given his experience and strike power in challenging conditions. He also skipped South Africa’s practice session on Thursday, raising early concerns around his fitness.

Captain Temba Bavuma put an end to any speculation during the pre-match press conference, confirming that Rabada would play no further role in the ongoing tour. “Kagiso has been ruled out of the second Test,” Bavuma said, citing the medical team’s decision to avoid any unnecessary risk with the fast bowler’s recovery. “He will continue the initial phase of his rehabilitation before returning home.”

Bavuma weighs spin-friendly pitch tactics as Rabada heads home injured

Cricket South Africa issued a statement explaining that Rabada will undergo a four-week recovery program while being monitored by the Proteas medical staff. He will travel back to South Africa after the conclusion of the second Test.

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With the teams heading to a completely new Test venue, Bavuma also shared insights about the surface in Guwahati. He noted that it carries typical subcontinental characteristics, where batting conditions should be at their best in the early stages before spinners begin to dominate. “This wicket looks a lot fresher and will be more consistent in terms of variability compared to Kolkata,” he said. “We’ll take another look in the morning before finalizing his replacement.”

As South Africa prepare to adjust their bowling combination once again, India will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing opening Test. The untested nature of the Barsapara pitch and the stakes of the series add further intrigue to what promises to be a compelling and historic contest.

India and South Africa (IND vs SA) are preparing their best for the important 2-match Test series of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) circle. Ahead of the first match of the series, which is scheduled to start on November 14, there are some interesting updates about the South Africa Test squad. 

South Africa named their full-strength squad for the Test series against India. Their skipper Temba Bavuma is also with the team and likely to play the first match as well. But some of their key players, as of now, are not certain to play at the first match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Surprisingly, ace South African pacer Kagiso Rabada did not bowl during the practice season on November 12. Why he did not go up for bowling in the nets is not clear. Another SA player who is uncertain for the IND vs. SA 1st Test is Dewald Brevis. He practiced on the ground with heavy taping on the upper part of his body. The 22-year-old batter played a couple of tests against Pakistan but never looked too comfortable against the spinners. In three innings, he scored a half-century and returned twice with ducks. 

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India vs South Africa Test Squads:

India’s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep. 

South Africa's Test 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.

South Africa’s premier pacer, Kagiso Rabada, is on the verge of scripting history in the upcoming two-Test series against India, which will begin on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rabada would come into the clash being the second leading wicket-taker for the Rainbow Nation since the beginning of 2024.

Rabada is currently four more wickets away from the entire list of top five wicket-takers in the India vs South Africa Tests. He is in the eighth position, just behind the former Indian spin all-rounder- Ravichandran Ashwin- and the Protea pacer- Allan Donald, who have 57 wickets each from 14 and 11 Tests respectively. The fifth spot is occupied by India’s current bowling coach, Morne Morkel, who has 58 wickets from 17 Tests.

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Rabada has a good record against the Blue, taking 55 Test wickets in 14 fixtures. The right-arm pacer has a chance to become the top wicket-taker as a fast bowler in the longest format of the two nations. The Eden Gardens surface will produce seam and swing with the new ball.

Kagiso Rabada on verge of overtaking Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn during IND vs SA 1st Test

The former pacer of the South Africa side, Dale Steyn, has collected 65 wickets in 14 games against India, thanks to five five-wicket hauls, which equals Ashwin’s tally, followed by India’s Jagaval Srinath, who has bagged 64 wickets in 13 Tests, featuring two fifers. Among the spinners, Rabada can surpass Harbhajan Singh as well.

The former Indian spinner has 60 wickets in 11 Tests against the Proteas, thanks to four five-wicket hauls. However, the senior pacer won’t be able to break the record of Anil Kumble, who has picked up 84 wickets in 21 Tests against the Proteas. Rabada, however, has just four wickets from two Tests in Pakistan.

As per the reports and words of the Eden Gardens’ curator, Sujan Mukherjee, the pitch is expected to assist the pacers. Also, the reverse swing will come into play at the venue, as there are promising indicators for the South African fast bowler.

At the end of day 3, Pakistan, the home team, took the lead. Fan favorite Babar Azam is only 1 run away from completing his half-century. Before Babar Azam, it was Kagiso Rabada who was in the center of the stage.

Rabada, who is mostly known for his bowling skills, showed his swashbuckling batting skills against Pakistan during the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. On a spin-friendly track, he scored 61 off 71, with the help of 4 boundaries and 4 over-boundaries. The crowd at the stadium thoroughly enjoyed that surprising innings, which proved when South Africa went to defend their small lead in the second innings of the match.

A video showed that the spectators at the stadium joyfully reacted to the gestures of Rabada, who was then near the boundary ropes. Rabada, too, enjoyed the company of the Pakistani cricket fans. Like the first match of the 2-match Test series, in the second match, there is a turning track to welcome the visiting side. This time, the World Test Championship (WTC) winning team is prepared for that.

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Kagiso Rabada fun moment with Rawalpindi crowd

KAGISO RABADA HAVING FUN WITH PINDI CROWD👌🇵🇰pic.twitter.com/0rp2qdHUTB

— junaiz (@dhillow_) October 22, 2025

Against Pakistan's first innings of 333 runs, SA claimed 404 runs and took a small but encouraging lead in the match. Kagiso Rabada had a huge contribution behind this score. When the lower-middle order batting was shortened by the Pakistani bowling attack, it was Rabada who turned reverse and delivered a much-needed heroic innings.

At the end of the day, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are on the track to start a fresh day. At the end of Day 3, Pakistan is leading by 23 runs.

While South African batters were struggling to reply to Pakistan's first innings total of 333, the lower-order batters rescued the visitors and set up a strong fightback, as the Proteas have taken a solid first innings lead in the Rawalpindi Test. South African no.11 batter Kagiso Rabada stunned with his powerful batting that set a new national record for his nation.

South Africa started the third day of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test match at 185/4, but due to losing wickets at regular intervals, they were struggling at 235 for 8. Then Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj had a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket, but the Proteas' tail-enders were still 27 runs short of Pakistan's first innings score when Maharaj was dismissed for 30 runs.

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Kagiso Rabada Creates History with Explosive 38-Ball Fifty – Second Fastest Test Fifty by a No.11 Batter!

Then Senuran Muthusamy got strong support from the no.11 batter Kagiso Rabada, whose fiery batting put South Africa in a strong position in the Test match. They had the 98-run partnership for the last wicket, while Rabada slammed a 38-ball fifty, which was his first Test fifty, and continued his impressive batting to score 71 off 61 balls with four fours and four sixes.

While Rabada slammed a 38-ball fifty with three sixes and three fours, it was the second-fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter. West Indies cricketer Shane Shillingford holds this record with a 25-ball fifty against New Zealand in 2014. South African cricketer Pat Symcox held the previous national record for South Africa by scoring a 40-ball fifty against Australia in 1998.

• 25 balls - Shane Shillingford (West Indies) vs New Zealand, 2014
• 38 balls – Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) vs Pakistan, 2025
• 40 balls - Pat Symcox (South Africa) vs Australia, 1998

Kagiso Rabada recorded the highest score by no.11 South African batter

With his 71-run knock, Kagiso Rabada also recorded the highest Test innings score by a no.11 batter for South Africa. Their previous national record was 62 not out by Bert Vogler against England in 1906. Meanwhile, Rabada now recorded the fifth-highest score in a Test innings by a no.11 batter.

On the other hand, Muthusamy and Rabada set the 98-run partnership for the last wicket, which was South Africa's fourth-highest 10th-wicket partnership in a Test innings. Muthusamy remained not out at 89 runs off 155 balls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Kagiso Rabada's final score in the record-breaking innings? 

Kagiso Rabada scored 71 off 61 balls at the number 11 position, which included four fours and four sixes.

What South African national record did Kagiso Rabada break with his 71-run knock?

Rabada broke the South African national record for the highest Test innings score by a no.11 batter. The previous record was 62 not out set by Bert Vogler against England in 1906.

How fast was Kagiso Rabada's maiden Test fifty?

Rabada's first Test fifty was a 38-ball fifty. This is the second-fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter ever.

Who holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter?

The record for the fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter is held by West Indies cricketer Shane Shillingford, who scored a 25-ball fifty against New Zealand in 2014.

What was the nature of the partnership between Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada?

Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71) shared a 98-run partnership for the last wicket, which is the fourth-highest 10th-wicket partnership in a Test innings for South Africa.

South Africa won the third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the defending champions Australia at the iconic ground at Lord’s. Many Protea fans and the upcoming generation of players in the longest format truly lived the moment and perhaps had dreamt of achieving it in the future. But how?

South Africa won’t play any home Test in their next season. That’s a harsh truth: that the current WTC champions will be without a home Test match for more than a year because they have sandwiched the SA20 between the away Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. And Kagiso Rabada, their premier pacer, has displayed his disappointment on that aspect.

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“This has been an issue we have been talking about for the past three years, or even longer. The nice thing is that it’s good to see that Test match cricket is still, you know, being watched and watched with closed eyes. I mean, there have been some really fantastic games that have been played. So, that’s well and truly alive.” Rabada expressed during the recent interaction on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Kagiso Rabada laments South Africa’s lack of Tests

They will also play two away Tests in India. Next year, they will host Australia for four Test matches. However, this lack of red-ball fixtures won’t be an advantage for the Proteas for the next WTC cycle. Rabada said that money is the last thing that everyone is after in this era.

Kagiso Rabada laments the lack of Test match cricket played by South Africa 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BFniJLm76v

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 12, 2025

“Unfortunately, now, the game is more about money. You know, what’s going to make the most money, and that’s the challenge that you are looking at right now, it comes to more of an inclusivity for the other cricketing nations because, let’s talk a fact here, is that you need all the other nations to make world cricket. And that’s been a challenge.” The current pacer claimed.

The opening Test of the away Pakistan series will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore before the action shifts to the Rawalpindi Stadium for the second encounter on October 20.

South Africa suffered a serious setback on the eve of their three-match one-day international (ODI) series against Australia as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the rubber due to inflammation of his right ankle.

The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday (August 18), which confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Cricket South Africa announced that Rabada would stay in Australia to start rehabilitation with the team's medical team. "Proteas Men's fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to inflammation of his right ankle," CSA said in a statement.

Kwena Maphaka Called Up

In light of Rabada's absence, left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, 19, has been called up into the squad. The young bowler was the standout bowler for South Africa in a T20I series they recently played, and finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, while now he's getting his opportunity in the 50-over format. 

Already missing Marco Jansen, who is recovering from surgery on his left thumb, the South African pace unit will be led by Lungi Ngidi, backed up by Nandre Burger and Maphaka, along with all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch for additional seam options, with a spin unit inclusive of Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen offering plenty of variety.

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First ODI in Cairns

The series is being played at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, and South Africa have Ngidi, Burger, and Mulder as their seam brigade, along with Subrayen, who made his ODI debut, with Maharaj leading the spin attack.

Australia is led by Mitchell Marsh, standing in as captain, who won the toss and bowled first, saying that the surface looked dry. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he would have done the same if he had won the toss.

Series Outlook

Australia comes into the ODI leg with confidence after winning the T20I series 2-1. South Africa, however, missing Rabada and Jansen puts extra pressure on the younger bowlers, but at least the second and third ODIs will both be played in Mackay at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, on 22 and 24 August.

There is a World Cup coming, and both teams can use the series as an opportunity to look at depth and combinations, though for the Proteas, it will depend on how well their emerging attack performs without their senior quicks.

Kagiso Rabada is urging South Africa to move beyond the euphoria of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) triumph and focus on adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet. The pace spearhead was instrumental in the Proteas’ historic victory over Australia at Lord’s in June, claiming nine wickets in the final to end the country’s long drought in major ICC tournaments.

“It was special, and I’ve done so many interviews on that since,” Rabada said ahead of South Africa’s limited-overs series in Australia. “I think it’s time to move on. We’ll never forget that as a team, and South Africa won’t either, but now the show moves on.”

That next chapter begins in Darwin on Sunday, with the first of three T20Is against Australia, followed by three ODIs later this month. Rabada, 30, returns to action after a lengthy break since the WTC final, refreshed and ready to lead the attack. “Thankfully, I’ve had quite a long break. Maintenance work has been important because the cricket schedule is packed,” he explained.

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Rabada Eyes Future Glory, Embraces Australia Rivalry, and Mentors Next Generation

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being in India and Sri Lanka next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup being co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rabada views the forthcoming matches as a valuable opportunity to gain experience. "The mindset is going to be changed a bit now. We're not worried about anything," he said.

Rabada also savours the fact that they are always up against Australia, who seem to make us play our best. “It’s always hard cricket, good cricket. They are always in our face, and I think we like it,” he said, smiling.

As somebody who is now considered quite senior in the team, Rabada will also help others, such as teenage fast-bowling talent Kwena Maphaka." I feel obliged to mentor them. Of course, they will learn through their own experiences; we just act as a sounding board for them." For Rabada, the warning is clear: enjoy the past but focus ahead on the next trophy.

The ICC announced the nominees for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025, with three of the game's longest-format stars. Two South African stars from their record-breaking ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 victory and one reliable Sri Lankan opener lead the shortlist.

Aiden Markram (South Africa)

South African opener Aiden Markram was the fulcrum of his team's WTC Final triumph at Lord's, delivering when it mattered. First, he did so with the ball, bowling out Steve Smith with his sixth ball after the Australian had settled in during a handy partnership with Beau Webster.

Markram made a forgettable batting debut in the first innings, bowled without a run by Mitchell Starc. But Markram left his stamp of class in the second innings. South Africa was chasing a tall 282 at that time, and Markram took the stage after the early fall of Ryan Rickelton. He formed crucial partnerships with Wiaan Mulder and captain Temba Bavuma, who was nursing an injury. Markram even comforted Bavuma in the dressing room, exhibiting calm leadership under pressure.

He continued to score a regal 136, leading South Africa to their five-wicket victory and first ICC senior men's title in 27 years. Markram also removed the last wicket of Australia's second innings, having Josh Hazlewood out to seal the deal with both bat and ball.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Rabada spearheaded South Africa's pace group with customary aggression and accuracy in the WTC Final. In a swing-friendly Day 1 at Lord's, he got the ball rolling by dismissing Usman Khawaja and then went on to take his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests. His 33.4 overs through the air for the match returned nine wickets for only 110 runs.

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He became almost unplayable at times, sending away important batsmen such as Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon in the second innings. Rabada's work ensured that Australia never got away with the game. He finished the Test fourth on South Africa's list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 336 wickets, having gone past Allan Donald.

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s dependable opener Pathum Nissanka had a phenomenal start to the new WTC cycle, notching back-to-back centuries in the home Test series against Bangladesh. After Bangladesh posted 495 in Galle, Nissanka responded with a career-best 187, which included 24 boundaries and a six. His effort helped Sri Lanka come within 10 runs of the total.

Following a difficult 32-over phase towards the end of the game, Nissanka's grit secured 24 in a tense second innings, securing a draw. In the second Test, he complemented it with another brilliant knock of 158, studded with 19 fours. His brilliant batting helped Sri Lanka post a 211-run lead, setting the stage for a crucial innings-and-78-run win and a 1-0 series win.

In June, all the nominees performed game-altering pieces of work, either through series-defining consistency or under extremely tight final situations. The ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025 is now open to vote for by fans.

Finally, South Africa managed to win an ICC trophy by beating Australia in the 2025 WTC final at lords, which wiped out their chokers tag. Chasing 282 was a tough ask, but Aiden Markram's 136 and captain Temba Bavuma's 66 made things look simple. Pacer Kagiso Rabada played his part, claiming 9 wickets in the entire match.

Aiden Markram was announced the player of the match. The right-hander was also a part of the under-19 World Cup team that won the trophy in 2014 in the UAE. In this piece, we highlight three South African players who were part of both the 2025 WTC final as well as the 2014 Under-19 World Cup final team:

1.Aiden Markram

Markram was the core of the South African batting lineup in the 2025 WTC final. The right-hander got out for a duck in the first innings but scored a stupendous 136 in the second innings, helping his team chase 282 in difficult playing conditions. Markram showcased a calm temperament and batted with assurance.

The 30-year-old was the captain of the under-19 team that won the 2014 under-19 World Cup in the UAE. In that tournament, he scored 370 runs with an average of 123.33 and a strike rate of 77.89, scoring 2 centuries and 1 half century. Markram scored 66 in the final of that tournament against Pakistan, where South Africa needed just 132 to win the final. In that tournament, Markram was named the man of the tournament.

2.Kagiso Rabada

Rabada played a crucial role in the 2025 WTC final as his performance laid the foundation for South Africa's win. The pacer took full advantage after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The 30-year-old cracked open the Australian batting line-up in the first innings, claiming 5/51 and taking crucial wickets. In the second innings, he registered figures of 4/59. 

Rabada was also a key figure during the 2104 under-19 World Cup in UAE when he claimed 10 wickets in the tournament with best figures of 6/25 against Australia in the semi-final, an economy rate of 3.10 and an average of 10.28. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in that tournament. In the final against Pakistan, his figures were 28/1 which were quite impressive as he didn't allow the Pakistani batters to score easily.

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3. Corbin Bosch

Bosch is amongst the most exciting all rounders in South African set up at the moment. He was included in the 2025 WTC final playing XI. He made his test debut last year against Pakistan, where he claimed 4/63 in the first innings of the first test at Centurion and also scored an impressive unbeaten 81.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was the player of the match during the final of the 2014 Under-19 World Cup against Pakistan in the UAE when he registered figures of 4/15 and also claimed 9 wickets in that tournament with an average of 14.66 and an economy rate of 3.25.