IND vs SA: South Africa's preparations for the second Test in Guwahati have hit a minor roadblock, with two key players nursing injuries following their memorable victory in Kolkata.
According to News18 CricketNext, off-spinner Simon Harmer and left-arm pacer Marco Jansen visited Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata-where India's Shubman Gill was also treated-to assess shoulder and niggle-related concerns, respectively.
At this stage, team officials have not indicated whether either injury is serious enough to threaten their availability for the match starting November 22 at the Barsapara Stadium. However, given their substantial contributions in the opening Test, South Africa will be keeping a close watch on both players' recovery over the next 48 hours.
Harmer, who turned the match on its head with a combined eight-wicket haul (4/30 and 4/21), bowled nearly 30 overs on a pitch that deteriorated rapidly. His control, accuracy, and ability to exploit India's left-hand dominated middle order were central to the visitors sealing a historic 30-run win-their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years. With conditions in Guwahati also expected to favour spin, the Proteas will be hopeful that the veteran off-spinner can recover in time.
Jansen's workload was equally impactful. The 24-year-old seamer delivered incisive spells, finishing with 3/25 and 2/15 across the match, and provided crucial breakthroughs at key moments as India were bowled out for 189 and 93. If the team management decides not to risk him, Kagiso Rabada-rested for the Kolkata Test-remains the most straightforward replacement.
South Africa do have a backup spinning option in left-arm all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy should Harmer be unavailable, but losing the experienced off-spinner would be a major setback on a surface likely to aid turn from Day 1.
India, meanwhile, are dealing with their own fitness concerns. Captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test, continues to be monitored after being discharged from the hospital. He has not yet rejoined the squad, which has stayed back in Kolkata to train. Reports also suggest that young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has joined the Indian camp as the team assesses its options heading into a must-win contest.
