Having suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test against South Africa, India now find themselves with their back firmly against the wall as they prepare for the second Test with the series on the line. Not only did the Asian giants fall into the exact hole they had prepared for their opponents – capitulating on a spin track against a strong South African bowling line-up – but the hosts also lost their captain Shubman Gill to a neck injury on Day 2.
With doubts looming over Gill’s participation in the second Test, attention shifts to vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who is all set to step into Gill’s shoes for this all-important match. While Pant led in the opener after Gill left the field on Day 2, the pressure awaiting him in Guwahati will be unmatched with the series hanging precariously in the balance.
Scrutiny of Indian test performance has intensified since A 0:3 debacle against New Zealand in November 2024, a disastrous outing that ultimately resulted in the team failing to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) for the first time in history. An opening Test defeat against South Africa only added to the woes of the hosts, leaving them staring at the bleak prospect of a second consecutive home series loss.
TIME FOR RESPONSIBILITY
Amid this growing turmoil, Pant will have to step down as the official captain in a Test match for the first time in his career. However, his preparation for the series was far from ideal; under his leadership, South Africa A chased down a massive target of 418 in the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru.
Furthermore, Pant’s decision to start Day 3 with spin drew criticism from several quarters as Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch added vital runs to take South Africa’s lead past the 100 mark. In hindsight, this proved to be a crucial turning point as the Proteas eventually stretched their lead to 123, which India failed to surpass as they chased down the modest target.
Pant’s shot selection has also come under scrutiny, with many describing his approach as reckless on a treacherous pitch, especially with India already batting. While the wicket-keeper batsman might have escaped heavy criticism for such dismissals earlier in his career, he is now expected to shoulder more responsibility after the senior players retire.
Captaincy brings with it a different kind of pressure, accompanied by increased scrutiny of the bat. After Pant’s low returns in Kolkata, his performance with the bat in Guwahati will be closely watched.
India have been an impregnable fortress for much of their Test history, yet now that aura is in danger of crumbling for the second time in as many years. The unbeaten South African side led by Temba Bavuma arrived determined to make history on Indian soil.
BAPTISM OF FIRE
With challenges mounting on all fronts, Rishabh Pant faces a herculean task in the second Test – it could be his first as an official Test captain. With questions being thrown at the leadership of the Indian team from all sides, Pant seems set for a baptism of fire. His ability to withstand the pressure in this crucial encounter could well shape the trajectory of Indian cricket, which is going through one of its darkest chapters at home.
The flamboyance and instinctive flair that has long defined Pant’s cricket will now have to coexist with poise, clarity and adaptability. How he manages to balance these aspects, especially on surfaces that test both technique and temperament, will determine not only his own development as a leader but also India’s immediate direction in the longest format.
With the taller figures no longer present to absorb the pressure, Pant’s interactions with the bowlers, his tactical prowess and his ability to lift a team low on confidence will be crucial.
Ultimately, the second Test presents him with a rare opportunity – one that leaders often crave but rarely get so early in their tenure. A strong performance could spark a revival, restore faith and signal the dawn of a new era in Indian Test cricket.
However, a wrong move could deepen the crisis. Under the bright lights of Guwahati, Rishabh Pant stands on the verge of a career-defining chapter that may well determine not only the outcome of the series but also the direction of Indian cricket in the coming months.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 21, 2025
Tune in
