Cricket fans are in for a unique experience at the second India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati, as the BCCI has decided to implement a revised session schedule. For the first time in a day Test in India, tea will be taken before lunch. This unusual move is a strategic adaptation to the early sunsets in the northeastern region during winter, ensuring the match progresses without interruption due to fading light.
Guwahati’s maiden Test match, scheduled for November 22, 2025, will highlight the city’s growing prominence in hosting international cricket. Following its successful stint with the Women’s ODI World Cup, Guwahati is now ready to host a Test match, bringing top-tier red-ball cricket to the region. The early onset of darkness in winter evenings necessitates this scheduling change.
Confirming the new timings, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated, “In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4 pm, the daylight recedes, and you can’t play much after. Because of that, we have decided to start early, so play will start at 9 am.” This decision reflects a practical approach to managing play under specific climatic conditions.
The revised schedule kicks off with the toss at 8:30 am IST. The first session will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a 20-minute tea break. Play will resume for the second session at 11:20 am and continue until 1:20 pm. Lunch will then be served from 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm, with the final session concluding at 4:00 pm, subject to an optional 30-minute extension.
This innovative scheduling aims to maintain player stamina and concentration by avoiding an uncharacteristically early lunch. It’s a testament to the BCCI’s commitment to player welfare and its ability to adapt international fixtures to local realities. The swap of traditional breaks is expected to ensure a more consistent and high-quality contest between India and South Africa.
The India vs South Africa Test series is a highly anticipated contest. While the first Test takes place in Kolkata, the Guwahati fixture introduces an element of the unknown with its unique timing. South African players might find the early starts and potential atmospheric conditions challenging, whereas the Indian team could benefit from home conditions and greater adaptability. Bowlers may find the early morning sessions advantageous, while batsmen will need to adjust their approach to the altered timings.
This proactive scheduling by the BCCI addresses the logistical challenges posed by winter daylight hours. By repositioning the tea break, the board aims to maximize playing time and provide a seamless viewing experience. It’s a clever application of flexible scheduling principles, borrowed from day-night Tests, to a conventional day Test, ensuring the game’s excitement isn’t compromised by the setting sun.