Ind vs SA 2nd Test: Former great backs Rishabh Pant as India's stand-in captain

Attacking wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will captain India in the second and final Test against South Africa in Guwahati, following the hosts’ 30-run loss in the series opener at Eden Gardens.

Regular skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a neck injury. Gill was retired hurt during India’s first innings in Kolkata and did not bat in the second innings, forcing a leadership change for the decider.

South Africa, already 1-0 ahead, have a chance to rise to second place on the World Test Championship standings—just behind Australia—if they clinch the series 2-0. India, however, can climb to third spot if they win in Guwahati and level the series 1-1.

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With India’s batting order unsettled because of injuries and inexperience, and their recent struggles chasing manageable totals, stand-in captain Pant faces a significant test as he seeks to keep India’s 2027 WTC campaign on track.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has closely worked with Pant in the IPL, believes Pant’s experience will be valuable as he steps into the Test captaincy role.

"It's never easy to step in as a temporary captain, especially right after losing a Test,” Ponting said on the ICC Review. “But Rishabh is fairly experienced in Test cricket now. Being a wicketkeeper gives him a great view of the game as it unfolds.

“He has captained in the IPL for a few years—first with Delhi Capitals—and I think he’ll do just fine.”

Pant and Ponting previously worked together at Delhi Capitals before Pant moved to the Lucknow Super Giants and Ponting joined Punjab Kings.

Although Pant has led extensively in white-ball cricket, this will be his first time captaining the Indian Test team.

Ponting added that he is curious to see whether leadership affects Pant’s batting approach. He also noted that the IPL prepares young Indian players well for high-pressure roles due to its massive crowds and intense scrutiny—sometimes on par with Test cricket.

"Modern players are far better equipped for leadership roles than they were 15 years ago. I think Rishabh will handle it well,” Ponting said.