India batter Sai Sudharsan has reacted positively to the unusual session schedule that will be followed during the second Test between India and South Africa, starting November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The match will feature modified timings due to the region’s early sunrise and sunset, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shifting the start time 30 minutes earlier than a traditional Test match.
In a rare move for a non–day-night Test, the order of breaks has also been altered — players will take tea before lunch. The schedule change has been implemented to maximise available daylight in the North Eastern region.
Speaking on JioStar’s show Follow The Blues, Sudharsan said he is comfortable with the unusual routine and even finds it enjoyable.
“I don’t mind having tea before lunch, I already drink tea during lunch, so I’ll probably enjoy it. Of course, it’s new, but we’ll get used to it. It’s exciting to explore,”
said the young Indian batter.
South African players also weighed in on the change. Spinner Keshav Maharaj revealed that the team was informed of the altered break schedule only recently but acknowledged that the decision made sense considering Guwahati’s sunlight patterns.
“We actually heard about it recently. It’s an interesting one, but you can understand the thinking behind it. Sunlight becomes a factor, so they’re trying to maximise playing time. We respect the rules put in place, and we’re here to compete and give our best,”
Maharaj said.
In contrast, South Africa opener Aiden Markram admitted he wasn’t particularly fond of the switch and prefers traditional Test match timings.
“I’m not the biggest fan of it, to be honest. I think Test cricket should always start at 10 a.m. with lunch followed by tea. But those are the cards you’re dealt, and you just get on with it. It’ll be something different to experience, but hopefully, it doesn’t become a common thing,”
Markram said.
The Guwahati Test is set to offer not just competitive cricket but also a rare scheduling experiment, one that both teams will need to adapt to as the series continues.