Why is Axar Patel Not Playing in 2nd Test Against South Africa?

India will lock horns against South Africa in the new venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on November 22. As the match is set to begin, the hosts lost the toss once again and will field first. The struggle with winning the toss by any Indian captain is a huge concern, especially in crucial games.

After the toss, Captain Rishabh Pant spoke about the changes made by the team for the 2nd game. As anticipated, Shubman Gill is out of the match due to injury, and India had to make some changes.

Axar Patel Dropped From IND Vs SA 2nd Test

India's one of the best all-rounders, Axar Patel has been dropped from the 2nd Test against South Africa. This decision was taken to keep the team combination and the pitch conditions in mind. There is no evidence of Axar Patel injury as he is fully fit. Moreover, Axar Patel replacement, Sai Sudharsan is included in the team. Meanwhile, Shubham Gill has made way for Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team.

Sudharsan played in the last Test series and was outstanding, helping India win. His temperament while batting is something the youngsters should look up to. Moreover, he is an excellent player of spin, so India might have an upper edge in this game. In the case of Nitish Reddy, one of the best all-rounders in India, he was sidelined from the team due to injury, but now, he is fully fit and has returned to the team. In any conditions, having a medium-pace all-rounder is beneficial for the team, and India is looking to have that slight advantage over the Proteas.

India's playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
On bench: Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Akash Deep

Rishabh Pant To Lead India in 2nd Test

India's Test captain, Shubman Gill's injury was a huge blow to the team as he is a great batter. He has brilliant decision-making skills as well, which were evident during the England series. With the crucial game against South Africa, Gill's presence will be missed. However, the BCCI has trusted Rishabh Pant with the Test captaincy, who is also one of the best wicket-keeper in India. The left-hand batter is playing his first series after recovering from a foot injury, which he sustained back in England.

“Definitely a proud moment. As a cricketer, you always aspire to lead your country. And I'm thankful to the BCCI for giving me this opportunity. Didn't think about it, but at the same time, you want to grab it with both hands and do the best for the team,” said Pant during the toss.

Interestingly, Pant is the second wicketkeeper to lead India in Tests after MS Dhoni. In a historic Test match in Guwahati, it will be intriguing to watch how the Indian team performs and who will take the game home.