Ngidi Recalled to South Africa Squad for Second Test Against India

South Africa have bolstered their pace attack ahead of the second Test against India in Guwahati, naming fast bowler Lungi Ngidi in the squad for the match beginning on Saturday.

Ngidi’s return raises fresh doubts over the fitness of spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who missed South Africa’s remarkable victory in Kolkata due to a rib injury. With Rabada still uncertain, the visitors’ seam options for the Test include Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, and now Ngidi.

The 28-year-old quick has featured in 20 Tests but has played only three since returning to the format 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. Ngidi has limited experience in Indian conditions, having played just one Test in the country — in Ranchi in 2019 — where he went wicketless.

Despite his sporadic Test appearances, Ngidi brings recent match practice. He was part of South Africa’s ODI and T20I tours of Pakistan in October and November and also turned out for Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge last week.

South Africa head into Guwahati with momentum after securing their first Test win in India since 2010, defeating the hosts at Eden Gardens. In that match, the Proteas’ seamers delivered 40 overs and claimed six wickets on a surface offering ample assistance. However, conditions in Guwahati remain uncertain, with the venue set to host its first-ever Test.

The second match will determine whether South Africa can build on their breakthrough Kolkata victory or whether India will bounce back on unfamiliar territory.