Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to be India’s 38th Test captain when the second Test against South Africa begins on Saturday. The 28-year-old has been handed the captainship after the regular captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the 2nd test match due to a neck injury sustained during the 1st test.
The BCCI confirmed the development on Thursday evening. “Shubman Gill continues to experience neck stiffness and has been advised rest. Rishabh Pant will lead the Indian team in the Guwahati Test,” the board stated. Gill will travel to Mumbai for further evaluation, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming ODI series as well.
India trail 0-1 after a shocking three-day defeat in Kolkata. A defeat in Guwahati would hand South Africa their first series win on Indian soil in 18 years and severely damage India’s hopes of reaching the 2025-27 World Test Championship final.
Pant, who was already the designated vice-captain for the series, will become only the second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain India in Test cricket. He has prior leadership experience, having led Delhi in domestic cricket, India A against South Africa A last month, and most notably captaining Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants in IPL.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Pant remained calm about the sudden responsibility. “I was informed yesterday that I’ll be leading the side. It’s a huge honour and I’m ready to give my best for the team,” he said. He also hinted that a direct replacement for Gill at the top of the order has been finalised, with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan the likely candidates.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar backed the decision, saying, “Rishabh has been one of our most impactful Test players in recent years. His aggressive mindset and ability to handle pressure make him a natural leader.”
The Barsapara Stadium will host its second-ever Test, with play scheduled to start at 9:00 AM IST to maximise daylight hours. For Pant, who returned stronger from a life-threatening car accident in December 2022 the next five days represent the biggest leadership challenge of his career.
All of India will be watching whether the fearless left-hander can inspire a fightback and tie the series.
