Rishabh Pant Opens Up After Replacing Shubman Gill For IND vs SA 2nd Test

Rishabh Pant was appointed captain for the second Test after Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury.

Rishabh Pant will captain India in the second Test against South Africa after regular skipper Shubman Gill was withdrawn due to a neck spasm. The match begins Saturday in Guwahati with India trailing 0-1 in the series.

Pant acknowledged that leading in a one-off Test is not ideal but emphasized focusing on the task ahead. India lost the first Test at Eden Gardens by 30 runs.

Pant’s Captaincy Philosophy

“One-off match is not the best scenario for a captain but I am thankful to the BCCI for giving me this honour. Sometimes, if you think too much about a big occasion, it doesn’t help,” Pant said at the pre-match press conference. “I don’t want to overthink. We had a tough first Test and we need to do whatever is required to win.”

The stand-in captain stressed the importance of humility and effort despite the series deficit. “At this level, you are always going to be under pressure. You might be 0-1 down, but we don’t want to dwell on the result. Whether we are one up or one down, we still have to give 200 percent,” he said. “Taking undue pressure isn’t helpful. Eventually, the team that plays better cricket will win.”

Pant described his leadership style as a blend of conventional methods and instinct. “I want to keep it a mixture of both. Being conventional helps, but thinking outside the box also works. It’s all about balance. And yes, I definitely back my instincts,” he said.

He confirmed that Gill’s replacement has been decided but did not reveal the name. “We have decided on who will play in place of Shubman. The person who will play knows he is playing,” he said.

Pant noted the Guwahati pitch offers better batting conditions than Kolkata. “Because it’s my first Test match here. So, everyone has a special feeling about coming here. And regarding the pitch, I think this wicket will play better. Definitely, it’s a better wicket to bat on. Obviously, it will eventually turn after a few days. But it is going to be a good contest,” he said.