The second Test of the India vs South Africa series in Guwahati will witness a unique scheduling innovation by the BCCI, which has opted to swap the traditional lunch and tea breaks. This strategic decision is aimed at maximizing playing time amidst the early sunsets experienced in the northeastern region during winter months.
Guwahati is all set to host its historic first-ever Test match on November 22, 2025. The venue’s credentials have been established through its successful organization of Women’s ODI World Cup matches. This Test fixture further enhances the cricketing profile of the northeast, bringing international red-ball action to a region with distinct seasonal daylight patterns.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the revised start time, noting the specific challenges of winter in the area. “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,” he explained in an interview. This means the match will begin half an hour earlier than the standard Test start time in India.
The adjusted session timings are as follows: The toss is scheduled for 8:30 am IST, with the first session running from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Following this, a 20-minute tea break will be observed, after which the second session will commence at 11:20 am and conclude at 1:20 pm. Lunch will then be taken between 1:20 pm and 2:00 pm, with the final session wrapping up at 4:00 pm, potentially extended by an additional 30 minutes.
This flexible scheduling ensures players maintain their momentum and energy levels by avoiding an abnormally early lunch. It highlights the BCCI’s adaptive strategy in managing fixtures, prioritizing both player welfare and the competitive nature of the game in diverse geographical settings.
As the India vs South Africa Test series unfolds, the Guwahati match presents a distinctive challenge. South Africa will need to acclimatize to the early starts, which could influence opening strategies and conditions. India, leveraging home advantage, will seek to capitalize on their familiarity with the local climate and potential pitch characteristics. Early morning sessions are often beneficial for bowlers, setting up an intriguing contest for batsmen.
The BCCI’s decision to reschedule tea and lunch breaks is a practical response to daylight constraints. This innovative adjustment ensures that fans experience uninterrupted cricket and that the quality of play is maintained. It’s a thoughtful adaptation, bringing elements of day-night Test scheduling flexibility to a standard day Test, proving that the board is committed to maximizing the sporting spectacle.