IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant scripts history! Becomes only second keeper-batter after MS Dhoni to this monumental feat

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :November 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM

Modified at :November 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM

(Courtesy : BCCI)

Rishabh Pant achieved the feat in the second IND vs SA test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Indian Cricket Team’s test vice-captain Rishabh Pant scripted history on Saturday, November 22, by becoming only the second wicket-keeper batter to captain India in test cricket. The left-hander achieved the feat in the second test between India and South Africa on Saturday, November 22 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Pant is captaining India in the absence of Shubman Gill, who after sustaining a neck injury in the first test was ruled out of the Guwahati test.

Notably, Pant was also the stand-in captain after Gill was ruled out midway in the first test, which India lost by 30 runs, suffering a shocking defeat. Hence, Pant has the challenging task of leading India to victory in his first test match as captain and avoiding a whitewash against the Proteas.

Rishabh Pant second wicket-keeper batter to captain India in test cricket after MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni last test match — MS Dhoni (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Since India played their first test in 1932, a total of 38 players have captained India. After MS Dhoni, Pant has become the second wicket-keeper batter to lead India in tests. From 2008 to 2014, Dhoni captained India in 60 tests, winning 27 and losing 18, while 15 games ended in draws. After Virat Kohli (68), he holds the record for leading India in the most number of test matches.

Overall, Pant has become the 35th wicket-keeper batter to captain a team in international cricket. Before Pant, there were only 34 wicket-keeper-batters who had opportunities to lead their national teams in the longest format. Moreover, Pant has become the 38th captain of India in tests.

Meanwhile, Pant began his journey as test captain by losing the toss. South Africa captain Bavuma won the toss for the second consecutive time in the series and opted to bat first.

Who is leading India in the second test against South Africa in Guwahati?

Rishabh Pant is leading India in the second test against South Africa in Guwahati.

Which two wicket-keeper batters have captained India in test cricket?

Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni are two batters who have captained India in test cricket.

What is the venue for the second IND vs SA test?

The venue for second IND vs SA test is Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.