The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed earlier this week that Gill is still recovering and will miss the remainder of the series.
Pant, India’s vice-captain, had briefly led the team after Gill left the field on Day 2 of the first Test. Under his leadership, India narrowly lost the opener by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller.
Pant ‘Thankful’ for Captaincy Opportunity
Speaking to reporters at a pre-match press conference on Friday, November 21, Pant acknowledged the challenging circumstances of stepping in as captain for a one-off match.
“One-off match is not the best scenario for a captain, but I am thankful to the BCCI for giving me this honour,” Pant said. “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.”
Pant also hinted that the team management has already selected an ideal replacement for Shubman Gill, though he did not disclose the player’s name.
“We have taken a decision on who will play in place of Shubman Gill. The person who will play knows he is playing,” he added.
With Pant leading the side, India will face South Africa in the decisive second Test of the two-match series, scheduled from November 22 to 26 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
