India predicted playing XI for the 2nd Test vs South Africa ft. Sai Sudharsan & Nitish Kumar Reddy

India are all set to face off against South Africa in the second Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22. The hosts are 1-0 down in the two-match series and desperately need a win.

Unfortunately for India, captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test following the neck spasms he suffered at the Eden Gardens. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been recalled to the squad after being sent to the A one-dayers, and changes seem inevitable.

India's squad for the Test series vs South Africa: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk) (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the second Test against South Africa.

Openers: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: JAN 04 fifth NRMA Insurance Test - Source: Getty

Both KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal didn't cover themselves in glory in Kolkata. The opening duo will welcome better batting conditions, but facing off against the likes of Marco Jansen will still be a tough test.

Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: JAN 03 fifth NRMA Insurance Test - Source: Getty

In Gill's absence, India seem primed to shore up the batting by bringing Sai Sudharsan back into the fray. The talented left-hander should bat at No. 3, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as a makeshift No. 4.

Axar Patel could also make way, given the number of left-handers the hosts possess. An additional pace option in Nitish Kumar Reddy would work well, although his ideal batting position is yet to be ascertained.

Rishabh Pant will have a lot on his plate, while Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja will be India's key men in both departments. Sundar having an increased role with the ball could work well for the home side.

Lower Order: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England & India Net Sessions - Source: Getty

Changes don't seem likely in the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace unit, with Kuldeep Yadav serving as the sole specialist spinner. Bumrah and Kuldeep seem to be in good rhythm at the moment and will be keen on ensuring that India don't suffer another embarrassing home whitewash.

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Edited by Sai Krishna