Team India is likely to give Rishabh Pant even more responsibility. Apart from contributing with the bat and behind the stumps, he may now have to take on an important leadership role as well. Reports suggest that the Indian team management has already informed Pant on Wednesday to be ready for captaincy.
After handing him the captaincy for the upcoming Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Pant may also be given the responsibility to lead the ODI series against South Africa. This move is reportedly linked to the latest injury update on Shubman Gill.
Pant to Lead in the Second Test in Place of Gill
According to sources, Shubman Gill is still not fully fit. If he is forced to play the Guwahati Test and ends up getting injured again, like in the Kolkata Test, the situation could worsen. As per specialists, recovery from a neck injury generally takes 5 to 7 days. It is almost certain now that Gill will not play the second Test.
Pant Could Also Captain in the ODIs
There is also speculation that Shubman Gill may miss the ODI series against South Africa following the second Test. One of the main reasons is his heavy workload in recent months. Sources say that if Gill is ruled out, Rishabh Pant could be appointed as captain for the ODI series as well. This is because the current ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is also likely to be unavailable.
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Though KL Rahul is another strong contender for the ODI captaincy, nothing can be said with certainty until an official decision is made. Much will depend on Gill’s recovery—whether he will be fit in time for the ODIs or not. Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, had missed the ODI series in Australia due to a leg injury.