Rishabh Pant stepped in as captain after Shubman Gill was ruled out in South Africa’s second innings (Images via AP) Rishabh Pant found himself in a new role with added responsibility on Day 2 of the first Test at the Eden Gardens, taking charge of the field after regular skipper Shubman Gill retired early in India’s innings with neck spasms. The wicketkeeper-batsman slipped seamlessly into the role and guided the bowlers on a tense afternoon as India gained control.
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India, who were bowled out for 189 in 62.2 overs earlier in the day, needed quick breakthroughs to preserve their slender lead of 30 in the first innings. The bowlers responded with discipline and South Africa were struggling at 93 for 7 at stumps with a lead of just 63 runs. One moment stood out late in the final over when Pant’s call for the stumps directly resulted in a wicket. With Marco Jansen about to counter-attack, Pant called on Kuldeep Yadav to change the angle. “KD (Kuldeep), 2 balls idhr se dalde please.. (just 2 balls from this side please),” Pant was heard saying on the stump mic. Kuldeep rounded the wicket for the next delivery. It brought immediate reward.Watch the moment here Jansen attempted a sweep, only managing the top edge. KL Rahul dived sharply to his left and completed a difficult catch that sent the South African back to 13 off 16 balls. Pant’s reaction spoke volumes as he flashed a smile on his face in response to the wicket. Jansen’s fall was another blow in a slide that had been set in motion earlier in the inning. Ravindra Jadeja led the effort with 4 for 29 as he removed Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs to dent the visitors’ hopes of recovering from a first innings total of 159.
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With their batting again collapsing in the challenging conditions, they will need a strong response on Day 3 to keep India out of the direct target. India will also assess Gill’s condition ahead of the next phase of the game, with updates on his availability expected as he progresses, according to the BCCI.
