"I see both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal getting into the XI" - Former stumper predicts changes for 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Former India keeper-batter Saba Karim reckons that the hosts will include both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal in their playing XI for their second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Karim also urged India to play six frontline batters and five bowlers in the must-win clash.

South Africa stunned India by 30 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the first Test of the two-match series. The hosts' decision to play on a rank turner backfired as Proteas off spinner Simon Harmer claimed eight wickets to wreak havoc in the Indian camp. India now need to win the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati to avoid another home series loss.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo on the eve of the Test match, Karim backed the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal. Asked to pick his team combination for the game, he commented:

"No Shubman Gill is a big blow for India. From the Test squad that we have at this stage, I see both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal getting into the XI. I am looking at India going back to theory of six specialist batters and five bowlers - two seamers and three spinners. I reckon that should suffice for the Test match at Guwahati."

India will be led by Rishabh Pant in Guwahati since regular skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to a neck injury. Gill batted for only three balls in the first Test before walking off the field and taking no further part in the match.

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"You need some variations" - Saba Karim on the spinner India might drop for 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Karim reckons that India would have to drop all-rounder Axar Patel from the playing XI for the Guwahati Test to balance out the team. The 58-year-old opined that India will need variations in the bowling against South Africa. He said:

"Unfortunately Axar Patel [might have to miss out] because you need some variations. You have Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. On top of that, you have two seamers. It's important that India get their batting order composition right.

"Although you have so many left-handers, you can always push Dhruv Jurel up the order to fulfil that right-left combination when required," Karim went on to add.

Axar picked up one wicket each in both innings of the Kolkata Test. With the bat, he scored 26 off 17 in the second innings to give India brief hope of victory.