"I see him flourishing" - Former India keeper’s massive statement on Rishabh Pant leading in 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Former India keeper-batter Saba Karim backed Rishabh Pant to do a good job as captain in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, which starts on Saturday, November 22. Karim urged Pant to ensure that he does not lose focus when it comes to his two primary skills - batting and keeping.

Pant was named India's captain for the second Test in Guwahati after regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a neck injury. Gill faced only three balls in the Kolkata Test before walking off. India are 1-0 down in the series and need to win the Guwahati Test to avoid another home series loss.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Karim threw his weight behind Pant and expressed confidence that the keeper-batter will flourish in the role of Test captain. The former India cricketer said:

"I see him flourishing. I really expect Rishabh Pant to do well as a captain. Being a vice-captain adds value to your experience. As a wicketkeeper, you happen to be a leader by default. However, it's important for him to stick to his primary skills.

Pant made a few questionable choices as stand-in captain on Day 3 in Kolkata. But Karim backed the keeper-batter to learn his lessons. He elaborated:

"He is a quick learner. I am sure he will go back and look at that half an hour in the morning when instead of trying Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, he opted for the two spinners. Rishabh Pant will be well aware that you possibly can't miss out on those critical moments."

India are likely to make a few changes for the second Test against the Proteas at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Gill, while Nitish Kumar Reddy could also get a game in place of a spinner.

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"We'll have 75-78 overs bowled in a day" - Saba Karim on bad light affecting play in 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

The second Test between India and South Africa will start half an hour earlier than the Kolkata Test to factor in for bad light. However, Karim reckons that despite the adjustment, 12-15 overs could still be lost per day. He opined:

"Again, we'll have 75-78 overs bowled in a day, which is rather unfortunate. However much you try to squeeze in 90 overs, I don't see that happening, especially in the northeastern part of the country."

The toss in the Guwahati Test will be held at 8:30 AM. The first session will be played from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by a 20-minute tea break. Lunch will be between 1.20 PM to 2 PM, while the scheduled close of play will be 4:00 PM.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert