Rishabh Pant is set to lead India in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, starting Saturday. He stepped in as captain after regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test at Eden Gardens. Pant acknowledged that captaining in a one-off match is not ideal but expressed gratitude for the opportunity given by the BCCI. "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," he said during a pre-match press conference.

India is currently trailing 0-1 in the two-match series after South Africa's victory in the first Test. Pant emphasized the need for the team to focus on winning the upcoming match without dwelling on past results. "We had a tough first Test and we need to do whatever is required to win," he stated. He also mentioned that the team management has decided on Gill's replacement but did not disclose the name.

Discussing his leadership style, Pant aims to blend traditional strategies with innovative ideas. "I want to be conventional and also blend it with out-of-the-box thinking. I want a nice balance. We have to keep things simple, and the team that plays better cricket will win," he explained. He praised Gill's determination to play despite his injury, noting, "Shubman was keen to play. He showed resilience even when his body was not permitting him."

Pant also shared that he has been in regular contact with Gill, stating, "I am having a chat with Gill every day. I got to know about the captaincy yesterday evening." As the team prepares for the crucial match, Pant remains focused on the task ahead, aiming to lead India to victory against a strong South African side.