Key Points:
- Rishabh Pant leads India in second Test against South Africa at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium
- Shubman Gill ruled out due to neck spasms sustained during first Test at Eden Gardens
- Pant becomes India’s 38th Test captain and second wicketkeeper-captain after MS Dhoni
- Guwahati hosts its first-ever Test match as 30th venue in India
- South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the series-deciding match
Rishabh Pant is captaining the Indian team in the second match of the two-match Test series being played between India and South Africa. Rishabh Pant has been given the captaincy in the absence of Shubman Gill. Pant became the 38th captain to lead the Indian team in Test cricket when he walked out for the toss on November 22nd. Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the match due to neck spasms that he sustained during the first Test.
The BCCI announced on Friday afternoon that Team India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to neck spasms sustained during the first Test. Gill suffered the injury while batting on the second day of the first Test at Eden Gardens. He faced only three balls in India’s first innings and then retired hurt due to pain. He was taken to the hospital and was discharged the next day after being monitored by doctors. He also arrived in Guwahati on November 19, but due to injury, he did not participate in any practice sessions and was eventually ruled out of the match. Gill will now head to Mumbai for further assessment of his injury, as confirmed by the BCCI in their media statement.
Pant’s Historic Captaincy Milestone
In the absence of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant is now leading the team, becoming India’s 38th Test captain. This is not the first time Pant will lead the team at the international level. Previously, in 2022, he captained India in five T20 matches, winning two, losing two, and one ending in a draw. Pant becomes the second wicketkeeper-batter to captain India in Test cricket, following the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pant now faces the daunting task of saving India from a second consecutive home Test series defeat. The team lost the first match by 30 runs in just three days, making the next match crucial for India. Furthermore, Guwahati is set to become the 30th venue in India to host a Test match.
Match Day Developments
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the historic Guwahati Test. This is the first time a Test match is being played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, making it India’s 30th Test venue. Pant, who made his ODI debut at this venue, expressed hope that his first Test as captain would also go well. India have made two changes to their playing XI, with Sai Sudharsan coming in for the injured Gill being one of them. South Africa have also made one change to their lineup, with star pacer Kagiso Rabada ruled out due to injury. The early morning conditions saw slightly muggy weather, with the pitch showing red soil with some green hints, suggesting potential assistance for bowlers.
Leadership Challenges Ahead
Pant’s captaincy came under scrutiny during the first Test in Kolkata, particularly for his tactical decisions on the third morning. After reducing South Africa to 93/7 with help from spinners, Pant’s delayed introduction of pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah allowed Temba Bavuma to add crucial runs that proved decisive in the 30-run defeat. However, on the eve of the Guwahati Test, Pant exuded calmness, stating he wants to give his 100 per cent and enjoy the game. He emphasised staying close to the game during pressure situations, acknowledging that he will have several opportunities to deal with pressure as captain. With India desperate to level the series, all eyes are on whether Pant the captain can inspire Pant the player to deliver his natural, aggressive best without compromise.
