IND vs SA: "One-off test not the best scenario for a captain"- Rishabh Pant after taking over from Shubman Gill

Rishabh Pant will become 38th captain to lead India in tests.

Rishabh Pant shared his thoughts about taking over from Shubman Gill for the second test between India and South Africa. The Indian captain has been ruled out of the match that will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22 onwards.

Gill suffered a neck spasm on day two of the first test that was played in Kolkata. He retired hurt and was later ruled out of the test match, as he was admitted to a hospital for treatment. Rishabh Pant had captained India in the second innings, as they lost the first test by 30 runs.

Shubman Gill traveled to Guwahati for the second test with the Indian team, and it was reported that he was doing everything to play the match.

However, on the eve of the second test, on November 21, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirmed that Shubman Gill was ruled out of the test match and Rishabh Pant, being the vice-captain, will lead the Indian side in the second test.

I don’t want to overthink: Rishabh Pant ahead of Guwahati test

On Friday, the flamboyant Rishabh Pant admitted that leading in a one-off test is not the “best scenario,” but he is not concerned about the challenge given by a tight-knit South Africa in the second test here. Pant has captained India in T20Is, incidentally against South Africa only.

“A one-off match is not the best scenario for a captain, but I am thankful to BCCI for giving me this honor. Sometimes, if you think too much about a big occasion, it doesn’t help. I don’t want to overthink. We had a tough first test, and we need to do whatever is required to win the test,” Pant said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

After their historic victory at Eden Gardens, where Gill was hospitalized after suffering a neck spasm while batting in the first innings, South Africa now lead the two-match series 1-0.

Pant stated that Gill’s substitute for the game has already been chosen by the team management, but he did not disclose the identity. India have three options to choose from to replace Shubman Gill in Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

“We have taken a decision on who will play in place of Shubman. The person who will play knows he is playing. I want to be conventional and also blend with out-of-box thinking. Want to have a nice balance… We have to keep things simple, and the team that plays better cricket will win it,” Pant said.

Pant also praised Gill for his efforts to be available for the crucial game.

“Shubman was keen to play the match. He showed resilience even when his body was not permitting, and that’s the attitude you want to see. I am having a chat with Gill every day. I got to know about the captaincy yesterday evening,” he said.

South Africa will have the chance to win a historic test series in India, their first since 2000, if they win.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.