The upcoming India vs South Africa Guwahati Test will change a major tradition in cricketing history. Cricket fans are going to see something unusual this November—Tea will be served before Lunch!
Yes, you read that right. In a rare move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to switch the order of breaks for this match due to the region’s unique sunrise and sunset timings.
Why This Unusual Schedule?
Guwahati, known as the gateway to South East Asia, located in the northeast of India, experiences early sunrise and sunset, especially during the winter season. With daylight fading rapidly by around 4 PM, the BCCI thought it creatively to make the most of natural light.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from Guwahati himself, confirmed that the India vs South Africa Guwahati Test will begin half an hour earlier than usual for Indian red-ball matches. Play will start at 9:00 AM IST, with the toss at 8:30 AM. The first session will run from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by a 20-minute tea break, then lunch between 1:20 PM and 2 PM, and the final session will conclude at 4 PM (with an additional 30 minutes if necessary).
Saikia explained the decision, saying, “It is a practical decision. In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4pm, 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.”
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Guwahati’s First-Ever Test Match
The India vs South Africa Guwahati Test match at ACA cricket stadium, Barsapara, beginning November 22, will be a landmark event as Guwahati hosts its first-ever Test match. The city recently received praise for successfully hosting several games during the Women’s ODI World Cup, and now it’s set to make history again with the men’s red-ball format.
Normally, the “tea before supper” format is reserved for day-night Tests, but this will be a day Test — making it an even more fascinating case. The decision shows the BCCI’s adaptability and willingness to adjust to local conditions for the comfort of players and the flow of the game.
Series Begins with a Touch of Gold
Before the India vs South Africa Guwahati Test, the series will begin at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. A special gold-plated coin featuring the insignia of BCCI and Cricket South Africa will be used for the toss.
What It Means for Fans and Players
Fans attending the India vs South Africa Guwahati Test will be witnesses of a new history — not just because it’s the city’s first red-ball match, but also because it introduces a format twist that’s seldom seen in traditional Tests.
This smart, locally aware scheduling by the BCCI reflects how cricket continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation — and ensuring every region gets its fair share of the spotlight.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on available reports and official statements from BCCI representatives. The information is intended for general news and awareness purposes only.
Kangkan Kishor Sharma, an M.A. in Media and Journalism, serves as the Chief Contributor at NestOfNews.com. He contributes regularly, bringing insight, passion, and a deep commitment to delivering stories that truly matter. His work reflects a thoughtful understanding of media, storytelling, and the issues shaping today’s world.