Rishabh Pant to Captain India in Critical Test Against South Africa

NEW DELHI, India – Rishabh Pant will lead the Indian cricket team in the second Test against South Africa, starting Saturday at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This decision comes after regular captain Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata.

Gill was released from the squad after struggling to recover from the neck spasm he experienced while batting. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed his unavailability, stating that he will head to Mumbai for further assessment. “Team India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said.

During the first Test, which India lost by 30 runs, Gill was hospitalized for examination after the second day. Despite traveling with the team to Guwahati, he continued to experience discomfort, leading the medical team to recommend rest. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized the importance of Gill’s full recovery, saying, “We don’t want the recurrence of spasm during the game.”

With Gill sidelined, Pant will take on the crucial responsibility of leading the team in a must-win situation to level the two-match series, which currently stands at 1-0 in favor of South Africa.

The second Test will commence at 9:00 AM IST with the toss scheduled for 8:30 AM. This match marks a significant moment for Pant as he captains the Test team for the first time officially, despite having filled in during the second innings of the previous Test.

South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, is looking to secure a series victory. They come into the match with confidence after their win in the first Test, where Simon Harmer‘s remarkable bowling performance earned him player of the match honors.

India’s squad includes players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, while South Africa’s lineup boasts key players such as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada.

As the teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Guwahati, all eyes will be on Pant and India’s efforts to turn the series around.