Test Captain Rishabh Pant wants to give players freedom and keep emotions in check

India will have its 38th Test captain with Rishabh Pant set to lead the side in the second match against South Africa, starting in Guwahati on Saturday.

Pant’s elevation from vice-captain comes after skipper Shubman Gill failed to recover from the neck spasm he suffered in Kolkata during India’s defeat in the series opener.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Pant painted a picture of the captain he wants to be.

Full list of Indian Test captains

“To generalise, I want to be someone who gives that freedom. I want the players to learn and make the right decision for the team eventually,” said Pant.

“I feel in red-ball cricket, because it goes longer period of time, you know, small tactical changes you can overcome because it gives you time in the game. But at the same time, you have to keep your emotions in check and don’t let the game drift away from you for too long. You try to be as close to the game during the pressure situation. That’s the idea,” added Pant.

The 28-year-old added that the Indian team has zeroed in on a team combination for the Guwahati Test.

“We have taken into consideration [the problem of] having a lot of left-handers in the batting lineup. We will announce it tomorrow. We have taken it [the decision] because the person who’s going to play, he already knows he’s going to play,” said Pant.

The home team is chasing a win in Guwahati, as it looks to prevent South Africa from claiming a first series win in the country in 25 years. Pant, though, doesn’t want his team to place overt pressure on itself.

Also read | Kagiso Rabada ruled out of second IND vs SA Test in Guwahati

“At this top level, playing international cricket, you’re going to be put under pressure like this, trailing a series 1-0. But at the same time, as a team, we don’t want to dwell too much on the result every time we play cricket. Because we need to have a clear mindset that regardless if it’s we are one up or they are one up, we still have to give our 200% when we take on the field,” added Pant.

The red-soil pitch at the Barsapara Stadium had a binding of grass on match eve. Pant expects the surface to aid the batters more than it did in Kolkata, where neither team managed to score more than 200 in an innings.

“I think this wicket will play better. Definitely, it’s a better wicket to bat on. Obviously, it will eventually turn after a few days,” opined Pant.

Published on Nov 21, 2025