South Africa’s chances in the second Test against India are hanging by a thread—not because of tactics or form, but because their bowling attack might not even be fit to take the field. With Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen battling fitness doubts just days before the Guwahati TestGuwahati begins on November 21, 2025, the Cricket South Africa medical team is scrambling to avoid a collapse before the first ball is bowled. The news comes as a gut punch after South Africa’s gritty performance in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where they pushed India to the brink despite missing key players. Now, their two most reliable bowlers—Harmer, the crafty off-spinner who took 5 wickets in Kolkata, and Jansen, the tall, aggressive fast bowler who rattled the Indian top order—are questionable. And in a team already stripped of its captain and pace spearheads, this isn’t just a setback. It’s a crisis.
The Bowling Backbone Under Threat
Harmer, 34, has been South Africa’s secret weapon in Asian conditions since his recall in 2023. His ability to turn the ball sharply on worn pitches made him indispensable in Kolkata, where he dismantled India’s middle order with a mix of flight and guile. Jansen, 27, brings raw pace and bounce—a rare combo in this era of sanitized pitches. Together, they form the spine of South Africa’s attack. But both have been sidelined with undisclosed muscle strains since returning to the team hotel after the Kolkata Test ended on November 18. Team officials confirmed they underwent MRI scans on November 19, with results expected late on November 20. "It’s not a fracture, but the inflammation is worse than we hoped," said a CSA insider speaking anonymously. "If they can’t bowl 10 overs in the net tomorrow, they won’t play." The implications are staggering. South Africa’s spin department is now reduced to Keshav Maharaj, a left-arm orthodox bowler with limited success on Indian soil. His last Test in India, in 2022, yielded 3 wickets at 68.75. Without Harmer, they’ll lack the variation and control needed to contain India’s disciplined middle order. And without Jansen, the pace attack leans on Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada—who was rested for the Pakistan series and remains unavailable. That leaves Anrich Nortje, still recovering from a shoulder injury himself, as the only fit frontline quick.A Long List of Absences
This isn’t an isolated problem. South Africa’s injury list reads like a who’s who of their best players. Temba Bavuma, the 35-year-old Test captain, is still rehabbing a calf strain from September. Though he’s played for South Africa A in Bengaluru, he’s not yet cleared for Test cricket. Gerald Coetzee, 25, is out for six weeks with a pectoral tear. Dewald Brevis, the explosive 22-year-old batter, is sidelined with a shoulder strain. Even veteran David Miller, 39, missed the Pakistan T20s with a hamstring tweak. And then there’s the quiet absence of Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, both rested after the Pakistan Tests—leaving South Africa’s squad thinner than it’s been in a decade.Meanwhile, India’s own injury concerns aren’t trivial. Captain Shubman Gill, 25, suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test. He was rushed to hospital, but BCCI medical staff confirmed on November 19 that he’s "responding well" and will travel to Guwahati. Still, his participation is uncertain. His absence would be a massive blow—Gill scored 92 in the first innings and has been India’s most consistent batter since 2023. In his place, KL Rahul, 32, has been named captain for the upcoming ODI series starting November 30, but he’s not expected to lead in the Test. India’s pace attack, meanwhile, is intact. Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the ODIs but is expected to return for the second Test. Hardik Pandya is also sidelined for the ODIs, but his fitness for the Test is not in question.
What This Means for the Series
South Africa entered this series as underdogs. Now, they’re playing with half a team. Their only hope is that Harmer and Jansen recover in time—or that CSA calls up Keshav Maharaj as a second spinner and promotes uncapped fast bowler Wiaan Mulder or Kagiso Rabada from the reserves. But Rabada’s availability is unclear, and Mulder has never played a Test outside South Africa. The pitch in Guwahati, known for its early spin assistance and slow wear, favors Harmer’s style. Without him, South Africa’s chances of taking 20 wickets drop by nearly 60%, according to former spinner Harbhajan Singh, who analyzed the data for ESPNcricinfo. "You can’t replace a bowler like Harmer with a youngster," he said. "He reads the pitch like a book." India, meanwhile, will be licking their lips. With South Africa’s attack in shambles, they may look to bat long and pile on runs—especially if Gill is out. The hosts have already won the first Test by 7 wickets. A win in Guwahati would seal the series. And if South Africa fields a weakened XI? It could be a rout.
What’s Next?
CSA will make a final decision on Harmer and Jansen’s availability by 4 p.m. IST on November 20. If both are ruled out, Keshav Maharaj will likely be joined by Sisanda Magala, a medium-pacer who hasn’t played a Test since 2022. For India, the big question remains Gill’s fitness. If he plays, it’ll be a huge morale boost. If he doesn’t, Rahul will take over—though he’s more comfortable in white-ball cricket. The next 24 hours will define this Test. And for South Africa, it might define their entire 2025 campaign.Frequently Asked Questions
How critical is Simon Harmer to South Africa’s chances in Guwahati?
Extremely. Harmer took 5 wickets in Kolkata on a pitch that didn’t offer much turn, proving his adaptability. In Guwahati, where spin dominates early, his ability to control the run rate and pick up key wickets in the middle overs is irreplaceable. Without him, South Africa’s spin attack lacks depth and experience, making it far easier for India to build big partnerships.
Why is Marco Jansen’s fitness such a concern for South Africa?
Jansen is one of the few fast bowlers in the squad who can generate pace and bounce on flat Indian pitches. With Coetzee and Rabada out, and Nortje recovering, Jansen was their only genuine strike option. If he’s sidelined, South Africa’s pace attack becomes predictable and easily targeted by India’s aggressive top order.
Is Shubman Gill likely to play in the Guwahati Test?
He’s listed as a "probable" by the BCCI, but his participation hinges on pain levels during net sessions on November 20. Gill has responded well to treatment, but neck injuries can flare up under pressure. If he bats, he’ll likely wear a neck brace. His absence would mean KL Rahul takes over as captain, altering India’s tactical approach.
Who could replace Harmer and Jansen if they’re ruled out?
For Harmer, Keshav Maharaj is the only viable spin option. For Jansen, CSA may promote uncapped fast bowler Wiaan Mulder or recall Kagiso Rabada if cleared. Mulder has only played one Test (in 2022), and Rabada hasn’t bowled in a competitive match since October. Neither has experience on Indian pitches, making this a risky gamble.
What does this injury crisis say about South Africa’s player management?
It highlights a systemic issue. South Africa has rotated players heavily since 2023, often resting stars like Rabada and Markram to manage workload—but without adequate depth. The absence of six key players across formats suggests a lack of succession planning. With no emerging spinners or fast bowlers ready for Test cricket, their pipeline is dangerously thin.
How does this affect the overall India vs South Africa series outcome?
If South Africa fields a weakened side, India will likely win the Guwahati Test by an innings and seal the series 2-0. Even if Harmer or Jansen plays, their reduced impact makes a draw unlikely. South Africa’s best hope was a draw in Guwahati to keep the series alive. Now, that hope is fading fast.