Rishabh Pant to Captain India in Test Cricket
Rishabh Pant is poised to become the second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain India in Test cricket. Catch full details, updates, and analysis as he leads the team against South Africa in Guwahati.
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Introduction
India will take the field in Guwahati with a mission: bounce back from a humiliating defeat to South Africa in the first Test of the 2025 series. With the series on the line and pressure mounting, a new face will walk out for the toss—Rishabh Pant, India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain.
Pant is all set to create history as he becomes only the second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain India in Test cricket. This marks a historic moment, not just for Indian cricket but also for Pant, who has emerged as the team's most reliable red-ball batter in recent years.
Pant Joins MS Dhoni in Rare Test Captaincy Feat
For over a decade, MS Dhoni stood alone as the only wicketkeeper to have captained India in Tests. Dhoni last led the side in 2014, in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia, which also became his final match in the longest format.
Now, 11 years later, Rishabh Pant is ready to join him in this elite category.
Why This Moment Matters
Test captaincy is considered the purest form of leadership.
Very few wicketkeepers worldwide have successfully led Test sides because keeping itself is a full-time, highly demanding job.
Pant’s appointment reflects the team's belief in his cricketing instincts, maturity, and aggressive mindset.
His leadership could shape India’s future Test strategy.
Shubman Gill’s Injury Opens the Door
India’s regular captain, Shubman Gill, suffered a neck spasm during the first Test in Kolkata. Though he traveled with the team to Guwahati, he remains unfit for the second Test, and the BCCI medical team isn’t willing to take unnecessary risks.
BCCI’s Official Update
The board confirmed Gill’s ongoing recovery and explained that a final call would be taken only after continuous monitoring. The key concern is the physical strain of five-day cricket, which they believe may aggravate his condition.
Gill's Eagerness to Play
Reports suggest:
Gill wants to play the second Test.
Team management is cautious.
He might be rested for the upcoming ODI series as well to ensure long-term fitness.
With Gill unavailable, Pant steps forward as the natural choice—being the vice-captain and one of the team’s most influential players.
Rishabh Pant’s Journey to This Moment
Pant’s rise in Test cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. From his fearless stroke-play to his game-changing innings overseas, Pant has built a reputation as India’s most impactful red-ball batter since 2020.
Why Pant Has Earned This Role
Consistent Test runs at crucial positions.
Match-winning performances in Australia and England.
Improved maturity since his comeback after injury.
Natural leadership instincts—seen often when he motivates bowlers behind the stumps.
Leading India in a Test match is a significant milestone in Pant’s comeback story after his life-threatening accident in 2022.
Big Test for India After Eden Gardens Defeat
India suffered a shocking collapse in the Kolkata Test, raising questions about their batting approach and team selection.
Key Challenges Going into the 2nd Test
Stabilizing the fragile middle order.
Handling the new-ball threat from South Africa.
Choosing the right combination in Gill’s absence.
Controlling pressure in a must-win situation.
The Guwahati Test is not just another match—it’s a chance to avoid a rare home Test series defeat.
Pant’s Captaincy: What to Expect
Rishabh Pant is known for:
Attacking cricket
Quick decision-making
Backing players strongly
Taking bold calls under pressure
Likely Changes Under Pant
More aggressive field placements.
High-energy wicketkeeping influence on bowlers.
Confidence-boosting environment for young players.
Pant’s leadership style may bring a refreshing change, especially after India’s flat performance in Kolkata.
What This Means for India’s Future
India may be witnessing the beginning of a new leadership era. With Gill injured and Pant stepping up, the team gets a chance to observe another potential long-term captain.
Possible Future Scenarios
If Pant performs well, he may be considered for vice-captaincy full-time across formats.
India could use him as a stand-in captain more frequently.
This could also spark a healthy leadership competition within the team.
Key Highlights at a Glance
Rishabh Pant becomes second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain India in Tests.
Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury.
Pant will lead India in a crucial must-win match at Guwahati.
Gill eager to play but BCCI opts for caution.
India seeks redemption after heavy defeat in Kolkata.
FAQs
1. Why is Rishabh Pant captaining India in the 2nd Test?
Pant is captaining because regular captain Shubman Gill is injured and ruled out of the match.
2. When was the last time a wicketkeeper captained India in Tests?
MS Dhoni did it last in 2014. Pant becomes the first wicketkeeper since then to lead India.
3. Is Shubman Gill ruled out of the entire series?
He is out of the 2nd Test and may also miss the upcoming ODI series for safety.
4. Where is the 2nd Test being played?
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
5. Is this Pant’s first Test as captain?
Yes, this will be Rishabh Pant’s first-ever Test match as captain.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s appointment as captain marks a historic moment in Indian cricket. As he gears up to join MS Dhoni in an elite list of wicketkeeper-captains, India hopes his fearless style can spark a turnaround in Guwahati. With the series on the line, Pant’s leadership will be crucial—not just for this match, but for India’s long-term Test future.