Ex-RCB, CSK pacer added to South Africa Test squad for India series after Kagiso Rabada's injury

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 08:53 PM | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 08:56 PM

South Africa, Kagiso Rabada to miss Second Test at Guwahati after rib injury woes continue to threaten
Kagiso Rabada of South Africa. Image Credit: X

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer, Lungi Ngidi, has been added to the Test squad of the South Africa National Cricket Team for the India series as a cover.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) made the decision to add Lungi Ngidi to the Test squad for the ongoing Test series against the India National Cricket Team because of the injury sustained by Kagiso Rabada.

The Proteas suffered a massive blow ahead of the start of the Test series opener against India as the pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada went down with an injury.

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During one of the training sessions of South Africa, Kagiso Rabada suffered a rib injury, and then he underwent several medical checks and assessments leading up to the match, before ultimately being ruled out of the Eden Gardens Test.

The Proteas, however, didn't miss him a lot as they clinched a stunning 30-run victory over India after the home team's pitch strategy backfired.

Kagiso Rabada remains doubtful for the second Test, which will start on November 22 in Guwahati. In case he again gets ruled out, the CSA has already prepared a backup plan.

They have added Lungi Ngidi to the Test squad for the second match as cover for Kagiso Rabada, and he has already linked up with the squad in Kolkata.

Proteas face numerous injury issues

Kagiso Rabada is not the only player from the visitors' camp who is dealing with fitness issues. During the first Test, the veteran spinner Simon Harmer picked up a shoulder injury.

Not just him, the left-arm pacer Marco Jansen is also carrying a niggle for which he visited the hospital along with Simon Harmer, and clarity is awaited on their participation in the next Test match.

Speaking after the victory over India, Simon Harmer had stated that they celebrated the win in their team hotel, drinking a couple of beers.

"We're in a nice hotel. Probably some golf tomorrow. We had a couple of beers last night. I think it's important to celebrate wins, especially here in India, because you don't know when they're going to come around again. The senior group here appreciates winning Test match cricket. It's a quick turnaround so nice to have a couple of extra days off," he said on 'talkSPORTCricket

"We need to make sure we get back to the drawing board because the Indians are going to have some fire in their belly and want to turn around the results of the first Test."

I think India has never played Test cricket at Guwahati - Simon Harmer

Harmer further stated that just like India, they are unaware of how the conditions will be in the second Test match in Guwahati.

"I think India has never played Test cricket at Guwahati so I'm sure they are unsure of exactly how it is going to go.

"I think they're going to feel that having the best Test bowler in the world and him not having an impact on day three, they would want to get him more into the game, so is it going to be seamer-friendly? You don't know what you're going to get. They obviously want to win so they are going to make sure that the wicket suits whatever team they want to select," he said.

Also Read: Sanju Samson denied opening spot at CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad to open with….

Sonanchal Gautam

Sonanchal Gautam is a dedicated sports journalist, content manager, writer, and editor with over 4 y... Read more

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