Rishabh Pant entered the Guwahati press room with a grin that conveyed both surprise and satisfaction. Just the previous day, he had discovered he would be leading India in the second Test against South Africa, starting on November 22, due to Shubman Gill’s inability to recover from a neck spasm in time. This elevation made Pant India’s 38th Test captain.
image/credits @ BCCI X
For Pant, Guwahati holds personal significance. It was here that he made his ODI debut in 2017, and now the city is hosting its inaugural Test match. He expressed that returning as captain for this game felt particularly special, even if it was just for this one occasion.
India is trailing in the two-match series, 0-1, following a 30-run defeat in Kolkata on November 14. The loss was painful, and Pant acknowledges the critical nature of this match. He emphasized keeping things straightforward, intending to trust his instincts, avoid overthinking, and listen to his teammates. He also commended Gill’s efforts to play despite medical advice to rest.
Pant anticipates a pitch favoring batters in the early stages, which will gradually open up for spinners. India plans to capitalize on this, especially with their spinners prepared to dominate as the pitch deteriorates. South Africa is aware that a win would secure them a rare series triumph in India, adding significant pressure to the match.
Barsapara Stadium adds its own narrative, symbolizing cricket’s growth in the Northeast with its first Test. Early online engagement indicates strong regional interest, with the South African tour already attracting significant attention.
ALSO READ:Mushfiqur Rahim’s 2025 Milestone: A Century That Defines His Legacy
Experts have also commented, with many praising Pant for maintaining composure and ignoring distractions. This match is viewed as an opportunity for him to demonstrate leadership capability. Since his recovery from the 2022 accident, every forward step feels momentous.
India remains the favorite in Guwahati, but Pant’s leadership injects new life into the match. With the series at stake and the Northeast hosting a historic Test, attention is now focused on how India will perform under their new captain.
One thought on “Rishabh Pant Leads India in Guwahati Test: New Captain, New Challenge vs South Africa”