NEW DELHI: With India set to clash with defending World Test Champions South Africa in a must-win second Test at Guwahati, the spotlight now firmly falls on Rishabh Pant.

The participation of Shubman Gill remains doubtful after the opener suffered a neck spasm in Kolkata, leaving India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter and current vice-captain to shoulder the responsibility of leading the side.

Pant expected to lead

Pant’s promotion to captaincy marks a historic moment for Indian cricket. He will become only the second wicketkeeper to lead India in Test cricket, following the legendary MS Dhoni, who last captained the side in 2014.

In addition, Pant will enter the record books as India’s 38th Test captain, cementing his place among the elite leaders of the national team.

Over the years, Pant has consistently delivered standout performances with both bat and gloves, and now he takes on the added pressure of steering the team in a high-stakes encounter.

The Guwahati Test is crucial for India, coming off a heartbreaking 30-run defeat in Kolkata where they failed to chase a modest target on a rank-turner Eden Gardens surface.

Pant’s leadership and performance will be key if India is to bounce back and level the series 1-1. With home conditions and a motivated squad, the Indian side will look to regroup and fight back strongly, while Pant’s milestone adds an extra layer of significance to this crucial clash.

India will be hoping that their vice-captain not only rises to the occasion as a leader but also inspires his teammates to deliver a complete performance in both batting and bowling.