Rishabh Pant to Lead India in Guwahati Test as Injured Shubman Gill Heads Home for Recovery

Guwahati, Nov 2025 : India will have a new captain at the helm when they take on South Africa in the second Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed stand-in captain after regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a persistent neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata.

Gill was determined to play despite discomfort, but medical opinion suggested that immediate rest and further evaluation were necessary. Addressing the media on Friday, Pant confirmed that Gill showed “tremendous resilience,” but the team management decided not to risk aggravating his condition.

“Shubman was keen to play and showed great spirit even when his body was not permitting. We have finalised who will replace him in the playing XI. The player knows he is playing,” Pant said.

Though Gill travelled with the team to Guwahati on November 19, he did not participate in training sessions. The injury, which required a short hospitalisation in Kolkata, continued to trouble him, making it impossible for him to feature in the must-win match. He is now expected to fly to Mumbai for specialist consultation to determine the next phase of his recovery plan.

The setback also puts Gill’s participation in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, beginning November 30, in serious doubt. For now, India’s focus shifts to Pant, who will become India’s 38th Test captain and only the second wicketkeeper-batter after MS Dhoni to lead the national side in Test cricket.

Pant acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility but stressed the need for clarity and composure. “I don’t want to overthink. We had a tough outing in the first Test and must now do everything required to win. It’s not an ideal situation to lead in a one-off Test, but I am grateful to the BCCI for this honour,” he said.

He further added that he aims to strike a balance between conventional tactics and innovative thinking. “Overthinking doesn’t help. I want to be conventional when required and think out of the box when necessary.”

The Guwahati Test also marks a significant moment for the venue, which becomes India’s 30th Test ground. The pressure on Pant is immense, with India trailing 0–1 after a 30-run defeat in Kolkata.

Meanwhile, Gill’s departure is seen as a precautionary but necessary step. Given the increasing demands of international cricket, the Indian think-tank prefers a complete recovery rather than a risky selection. His evaluation in Mumbai is expected to be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, one of India’s leading sports medicine specialists, who is also overseeing the recovery of Shreyas Iyer after his spleen injury in Australia last month.

As India prepares for a decisive match under an interim leader, the spotlight will be firmly on Pant—both for his leadership skills and his performance with the bat. His last outing as captain was during the five-match T20I series against South Africa in 2022.

With India eager to avoid a rare home series defeat, the Guwahati Test promises high drama, renewed tactical battles, and a leadership test for the fiery wicketkeeper-batter now thrust onto the big stage.

Team Maverick.