South Africa have suffered another major blow as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Guwahati, with his rib bone stress injury showing no significant improvement. Rabada, who also missed the Kolkata Test, will stay with the team for the match before immediately returning home to begin a four-week rehabilitation program.
Cricket South Africa confirmed that Rabada continued to experience discomfort, forcing his withdrawal from the remainder of the tour, including the upcoming white-ball series. The fast bowler has not bowled since sustaining the injury during training in Kolkata and was unable to participate in sessions in Guwahati.
South Africa now look to Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch to shoulder the pace workload. While Simon Harmer dominated with an eight-wicket haul in Kolkata and Keshav Maharaj provided strong support, the Proteas will be tested without their strike quick.
With the series level on intensity and India hungry to bounce back, Rabada’s absence adds a big twist to the Guwahati showdown starting Saturday.
