Guwahati, Nov 21 (UNI) Rishabh Pant on Friday confirmed that India’s team management has finalised a replacement for Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to a neck injury, though he did not disclose the player’s name.
“We have taken a decision on who will play in place of Shubman. The person who will play knows he is playing,” Pant told reporters on the eve of the India-South Africa second Test here on Friday.
Pant lauded Gill’s determination despite his injury. “Shubman was keen to play. He showed resilience even when his body was not permitting him, and that’s the attitude you want to see,” he said, adding that he has been in regular contact with the injured skipper. “I am having a chat with Gill every day. I got to know about the captaincy last evening.”
On team composition, Pant emphasised the need for balance. “I feel it’s a balance sometimes for the team combination. You have to see if a specialised player is helping you more, or an all-rounder is giving you more stability in the team. So it’s all about finding that team balance and the way you want to play cricket,” he said.
Making his Test captaincy debut at Guwahati, Pant described the venue as special for him, having made his ODI debut at the same ground.
“Firstly, I would say that this ground is very special in my heart. I made my one-day debut here. I’m playing my first Test captaincy match here. So, it will always be special for me. And I feel it’s special for the whole of Guwahati,” he said.
Explaining his leadership approach, Pant said he encourages players to express themselves freely. “I want to be someone who gives that freedom, and I want people and players to learn around and make the right decision for the team eventually. That’s the real goal. And obviously, whatever knowledge I have, I’m going to help them on the field, regardless of anything,” he added.
Pant also expressed confidence in the Guwahati pitch, expecting it to offer a better contest than the Kolkata wicket in the first Test. “Because it’s my first Test match here, everyone has a special feeling about coming here. And regarding the pitch, 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. But it is going to be a good contest,” he said.
South Africa currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Kolkata. Pant acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in India’s preparation and approach for the Guwahati encounter.
