Ricky Ponting has backed Rishabh Pant to handle his responsibility as captain of Team India for the 2nd Test against SA. (Images via AP, Getty) Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper prepares to lead India in the crucial second Test of the series against South Africa in Guwahati. With Shubman Gill ruled out through injury after India’s 30-run defeat at the Eden Gardens, Pant started his first match as Test captain at a crucial stage of the competition. Ponting, who worked closely with Pant during their time together at Delhi Capitals, said the role would not be easy given India’s position in the series. However, he believes Pant’s advantage as a wicketkeeper and his growth across formats will help him adapt. “It’s never easy to come in and stand in for someone as a stopgap captain, especially when you’ve lost a Test match a few days ago. But Rishabh is a reasonably experienced Test match player even now. I think being a wicket-keeper probably helps to see the way the game is going and what’s going on in the game,” Ponting was quoted as saying by ICC. The former Australia captain highlighted Pant’s leadership experience in the IPL, where he previously led Delhi Capitals before moving to Lucknow Super Giants, while Ponting himself moved to Punjab Kings. “He has done it at the IPL level in the last few years, before that of course he did it in Delhi (the capital). I think he will do well,” Ponting added. Thursday’s Test will also mark Pant’s first outing as captain in the longest format, despite leading the way in white-ball cricket. Ponting suggested that the transition from franchise pressures to national duties is smoother for modern players. “It will be interesting to see how he performs as a captain, if he changes his style of play as a captain, as a batsman anyway. I think he will handle this opportunity well,” Ponting said.
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He also pointed to the IPL’s influence on younger players: “IPL is probably almost as big as a Test match for a lot of these guys because of the crowds and the scrutiny… modern players are a bit more prepared for it… So I think Rishabh will do well.” India and South Africa will meet in the second Test on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and only a win for India will save the series draw. Anything less will mean a home series loss.
