IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant ignores critics, set to captain India in Guwahati Test

Rishabh Pant admitted on Friday that leading India in the one-off Test is not the “best case scenario” but insisted he is not overthinking the challenge as the hosts prepare for a must-win second Test against the established South African side in Guwahati.

Pant was appointed as the alternate captain after the regular captain Shubman Gill was dismissed from the squad due to a neck spasm before Saturday’s game.

“A single 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 big occasions, it doesn’t help,” Pant said at the pre-match press conference. “I don’t want to think too much. We had a tough first test and we have to do whatever it takes to win.”

The goalkeeper emphasized that he focused on cleanliness rather than external noise.

“We all know how we play cricket and how we want to conduct ourselves. The last Test was tough and coming out of it we just want to do whatever it takes to win this game and focus on what’s ahead,” he said.

further Pant’s decision to start day 3 with the spin drawing 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 could not overcome as they chased down a modest target. . He admitted that some of the selection calls from the opening match had sparked debate, but insisted that conviction was essential for the captain.

“There was a lot of discussion in the team. We felt that going with spin was the right thought process at the time. Yes, there is always a chance that you pick a fast bowler and when someone else takes wickets later, people question it,” he said. “But that’s the captain’s call. You’re going to be questioned but ultimately you do what you believe is right at the time and back your bowler to do that.”

With India trailing 0-1 after South Africa’s win at the Eden Gardens, Pant said the team needed to stay grounded. “At this level, you will always be under pressure. You can lose 0-1, 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. “Undue pressure doesn’t help. In the end, the team that plays better cricket will win.”

Regarding his leadership approach, Pant said he prefers a balance between orthodox planning and instinct.

“I want to keep it a mix of both. Being conventional helps, but thinking outside the box also works. It’s all about balance. And yes, I definitely follow my instincts,” he said, adding that he was only informed of his captaincy role on Thursday night.

Pant praised Gill for trying everything to make herself available despite the injury setback.

“I’ve been talking to Gill every day. He’s getting better. He was very keen to play this Test even though his body wouldn’t let him. When your leader shows that resilience – wants to push through the pain – that’s the mindset we want in the team,” he said.

He also confirmed that Gill’s replacement has been completed.

“We have decided who will play instead of Shubman. Whoever will play knows he is playing,” he said. India are likely to bring back one of Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal or Nitish Kumar Reddy as they look to win the series.

Pant further explained his captaincy philosophy and said that he values ​​giving players the freedom to express themselves.

“I want to be someone who gives that freedom and I want people and players to learn around me and ultimately make the right decisions for the team. That’s the real goal. And of course, whatever knowledge I have, I’ll help them on the pitch, no matter what,” he said.

Pant also spoke warmly about his association with the venue, describing the Guwahati stadium as special.

“Firstly, I would say this ground is very special in my heart. I made my one-day debut here. I am playing my first Test captain match here. So it will always be special for me. And I feel it is special for the whole of Guwahati,” he said.

Comparing the surfaces, he added that the pitch for the second Test should offer better batting conditions than Eden Gardens.

“Because it’s my first Test match here. So everyone has a strange feeling going here. And pitch-wise, I think this wicket will play better. It’s definitely a better wicket to bat on. Obviously, it will turn around after a few days. But it’s going to be a good match,” he said.

With a series on the line and a new responsibility on his shoulders, Pant remained composed. “We have to keep things simple. The team that plays better cricket will win,” he concluded.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

November 21, 2025