Team India will enter the second Test against South Africa with a fresh leadership change, as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant steps in as captain. Regular skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to a neck injury he suffered during the Kolkata Test, forcing India to rethink both leadership and team combination ahead of a must-win match.
Pant, who has captained India in white-ball cricket before, will be taking charge of the Test team for the first time in his career. Despite the sudden responsibility, the 27-year-old said he is fully prepared for the challenge and focused on helping India level the two-match series.
“Guwahati Is Special to Me” – Pant’s Emotional Note Ahead of the Test
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pant said the venue holds a special place in his journey.
“This ground is very close to my heart. I made my ODI debut here, and now I’m leading the Test team for the first time at the same venue. It’s special for me and for Guwahati as well because this is the first Test being played here,” he said.
Pant also addressed concerns about the pitch after the Kolkata wicket came under heavy criticism.
“I feel this pitch will be better for batting. Yes, it may offer turn later in the match, but overall I expect a good contest.”
🗣️🗣️ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙪𝙬𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙞#TeamIndia Captain Rishabh Pant on the atmosphere in Guwahati ahead of the city's historic first Test 🙌#INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/InLd8gsu3q
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2025
Pant admitted that leading the Test side for just one match is not the ideal leadership environment, but expressed gratitude towards BCCI for trusting him.
“Captaining for only one game isn’t the best situation, but I am thankful to BCCI for the confidence. Sometimes thinking too much about a big opportunity brings pressure. I want to keep things simple.”
He praised Shubman Gill for his commitment, stating that the young skipper tried everything to make himself available for the match.
“Gill wanted to play. He tried to push through, but sometimes the body doesn’t support you. We appreciate his intent.”
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Who Replaces Gill? Team Has Finalised the Name
Pant confirmed that the team management has already decided Gill’s replacement, though he did not reveal the name publicly.
“We have finalised who will play in Gill’s place. The player has been informed. We want to maintain a balance between tradition and trying new things.”
South Africa currently lead the series 1–0 after winning the first Test by 30 runs at Eden Gardens. India struggled with both bat and ball on a difficult pitch, prompting heavy criticism from former players.
With the series on the line, the Guwahati Test becomes extremely important for India, especially with WTC points at stake.
Pant acknowledged the pressure but remained confident:
“The first Test was tough for us. Now we have to do everything needed to win. The team knows the importance of this match.”
India will need a strong performance from both their batting unit and bowling attack to bounce back in the series. All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant, who not only brings energy and aggression but also steps into a historic moment of his career as he captains India in a Test for the first time.
