India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Decoding key player battles
The Indian cricket team is gearing up to face South Africa in the second Test of their series, which will be played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati from November 22. After a disappointing start to the series in Kolkata, the hosts hope to bounce back. However, captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in this encounter. Rishabh Pant will lead India in his absence. Here we decode the key player battles ahead of the second Test.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen also played a vital role in SA's historic win in Kolkata, claiming five wickets across two innings. The left-arm pacer, who was brilliant with the new ball, trapped Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in both innings of the game. Though Jaiswal boasts phenomenal numbers in Tests, his average comes down to 21.75 against left-arm pacers, who have trapped him eight wickets across 16 innings (as per ESPNcricinfo).
Rishabh Pant vs Simon Harmer
Simon Harmer, the 36-year-old South African off-spinner, produced twin four-fers to power SA in the series opener. One of his victims in the game was Rishabh Pant, who scored a fiery 24-ball 27 in his first outing. With Gill likely to miss the Guwahati affair, Pant will have added responsibilities in the middle order. The latter averages an impressive 42.91 against off-spinners in Tests.
Temba Bavuma vs Kuldeep Yadav
SA skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored 55* in the third innings of the opener, was the only batter with a 40-plus score in an entire game. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who trapped Bavuma in the first innings, will have the onus to trouble the star batter again. It must be noted that Kuldeep averages a fine 22.01 in Tests in India.
Aiden Markram vs Jasprit Bumrah
Albeit in a losing cause, star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah also made a mark in the opener - taking a fifer on Day 1. Opener Aiden Markram was also his also his victim during this spell. Notably, the Proteas star, who smashed a match-winning hundred in the WTC final against Australia earlier this year, has blown hot and cold in Tests. Bumrah has trapped him thrice across 14 Test meetings.