Rishabh Pant's Test Captaincy Debut in Guwahati

Introduction

The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment on November 22, 2025, as Guwahati hosted its first-ever Test match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to bat first in this second Test of the series. With India trailing 0-1, the match carries immense importance for the home team.

Adding to the excitement, Rishabh Pant officially stepped in as India’s 38th Test captain, marking a major milestone in his cricketing journey. India also introduced two fresh faces—B Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy—bringing new energy and balance to the side.

Historic Moment: Guwahati’s First Test Match

Hosting a Test match for the first time, Guwahati joined the elite list of Indian cities with the honor of staging the longest format of the game. Bavuma acknowledged the moment, saying he was “glad to be part of this historic occasion” and expressed excitement about the lively crowd and conditions.

Pitch Report Insights

• Good grass covering

• No visible cracks

• Expected to play well for the first two days

• Likely batting-friendly early on

• Spin may come into play later with the rough patches developing

South Africa added an additional spinner, Senuran Muthusamy, considering the subcontinent conditions.

Rishabh Pant: India’s New Test Captain

With Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test, Rishabh Pant was handed leadership duties for the first time in Test cricket. The star wicketkeeper-batter became:

• India’s 38th Test captain

• Only the second keeper-batter after MS Dhoni to captain India in Tests

• Captain at the same venue where he made his ODI debut in 2018

Pant expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Definitely a proud moment... you always aspire to lead your country. I’m thankful to the BCCI for giving me this opportunity.”

He emphasized team unity, focus, and improvement, highlighting that India aims to fight “each and every moment.”

Team India’s Selection Calls: Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy Included

Why the Changes?

• Shubman Gill is out with injury

• Axar Patel is replaced to strengthen the batting-bowling balance

Debutants Breakdown

1. Sai Sudharsan

• Replaces Shubman Gill

• Known for consistency and calm temperament

• Expected to strengthen the top order

2. Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Comes in for Axar Patel

• All-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball

• Adds depth to the middle-order and bowling versatility

Pant praised Gill’s eagerness to return, mentioning he is “recovering slowly” and “will come back stronger.”

What’s at Stake for Both Teams?

For India

• Must win to avoid a second Test series defeat at home within two years

• Need to bounce back after losing the first Test

• Opportunity to test new combinations before major upcoming tours

For South Africa

• The reigning World Test Championship winners

• Aiming for their first Test series win in India since 2000

• High confidence after the strong performance in the series opener

Playing XIs: IND vs SA 2nd Test

India

• KL Rahul

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Sai Sudharsan

• Dhruv Jurel

• Rishabh Pant (Captain & WK)

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Washington Sundar

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Mohammed Siraj

South Africa

• Aiden Markram

• Ryan Rickelton

• Wiaan Mulder

• Temba Bavuma (Captain)

• Tony de Zorzi

• Tristan Stubbs

• Kyle Verreynne (WK)

• Marco Jansen

• Senuran Muthusamy

• Simon Harmer

• Keshav Maharaj

Match Outlook

With South Africa opting to bat first, the early hours of Day 1 are expected to be crucial. India’s pace attack—led by Bumrah and Siraj—will look to exploit any early movement, while spinners Jadeja and Kuldeep may dominate the middle overs.

The debutants will have a golden chance to make a mark in a high-pressure scenario. Pant’s captaincy will also be under spotlight as fans and experts look forward to his aggressive, instinct-driven style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Rishabh Pant captaining India in the 2nd Test?

Shubman Gill is recovering from a neck injury. Pant was chosen to lead, becoming India’s 38th Test captain.

2. Who made their Test debut for India in this match?

Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy both made their Test debuts.

3. Why is Guwahati’s Test match historic?

It is the first-ever Test match hosted at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

4. Why did South Africa include Senuran Muthusamy?

To strengthen their spin department considering Indian conditions.

5. What happens if India loses this Test?

They will face their second home Test series defeat in two years, a rare setback in Indian cricket.