India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant will lead the Indian men’s cricket team in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati against South Africa starting Saturday.
Shubman Gill was released
from the squad on Friday after the regular skipper had suffered a neck spasm while batting in the first innings of the opening Test in Kolkata and had to be hospitalised.
“Definitely, one-off match is not the best scenario as a captain. But at the same time, I’m really proud that BCCI has given me this opportunity. You know, whenever you’re leading your country, it’s the proudest moment,” Pant was quoted as saying in the pre-match press conference.
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As the conversation shifted towards his captaincy style, the man from Rourkee expressed his desire for a blend of traditional and modern elements.
Rishabh Pant believes that blending conventional methods with out-of-the-box thinking is crucial. “I think being conventional also helps. And also adding that outside (out of) the box thinking definitely works out. So, you’re going to find, for me, it’s all about finding that balance between a conventional and out-of-the-box thinking,” Pant said as he prepared for the challenging series against the Proteas, who hold a 1-0 lead.
One of his key objectives is to grant his players the freedom to express themselves. “To generalise, 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,” Pant explained.
“That’s the real goal and obviously whatever my knowledge is, that’s going to help them on the field,” the wicketkeeper-batsman added.
When asked if he can maintain a free-spirited approach while making decisions, Pant replied that it wasn’t particularly challenging. “And for the free spirit part of the thing, see, I personally don’t think about that. I just want to give my 100 per cent in whatever I’m doing and enjoy the game,” he stated clearly.
Pant mentioned that he was officially asked to lead on Thursday night. When questioned if he had spoken to Gill, he responded with his characteristic humour. “I speak to Gill every day,” he laughed.
(With inputs from Agencies)
