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“Not the best scenario…”: Rishabh Pant not ‘overthinking’ as India look to level vs SA

Aakash Saini

Rishabh Pant [Source: @Rishabh_Pant_FC/X.com]Rishabh Pant [Source: @Rishabh_Pant_FC/X.com]

Rishabh Pant is set to lead the Indian team in the upcoming series-deciding second Test against South Africa. Earlier this week, the BCCI confirmed that regular skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the series as he is yet to fully recover from the neck injury he sustained at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Pant, India’s vice-captain, took over the leadership role after Shubman walked off the field early on Day 2 of the first Test. However, under the leadership of the blistering wicketkeeper-batter, the Indian team lost the match by 30 runs on Day 3 in a low-scoring thriller.

Rishabh Pant ‘thankful’ to BCCI for captaincy honour

While speaking with the reporters during a pre-match press conference on Friday, November 21, i.e., a day prior to the second Test, India’s stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant reflected his team’s defeat in the series-opener earlier this week, and described the one-off nature of the scenario ‘not an ideal’ one for any captain.

The cricketer also thanked the BCCI for giving him the opportunity to lead the team in place of a rehabilitating Shubman Gill. Rishabh Pant said:

“One-off match is not the best scenario for a captain, but I am thankful to the BCCI for giving me this honour. 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.”

Rishabh Pant also revealed that the Indian team management has picked an ideal replacement for Shubman Gill, but refused to name the said player. He added:

“We have taken a decision on who will play in place of Shubman Gill. The person who will play knows he is playing.”

With Rishabh Pant at the helm, Team India will now face South Africa in the all-important second Test of the two-match series between November 22 and November 26. The match will be hosted by the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.