History is about to be made in Guwahati. As India prepares for the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant—not just for his explosive batting, but for his imminent entry into one of Indian cricket’s most exclusive fraternities. With regular skipper Rohit Sharma rested and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Pant will don the leadership armband, becoming only the second wicketkeeper ever to captain India in Test cricket—a distinction previously held solely by the great MS Dhoni .
This isn’t just a routine stand-in captaincy. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch from one generational talent to another, and a powerful statement about Pant’s growing stature within the team. At just 27, he’s already a match-winner, a survivor of a near-fatal accident, and now, a leader on the biggest stage of all.
Table of Contents
- Rishabh Pant Captain India Test: A Historic Milestone
- The Legacy of MS Dhoni as Wicketkeeper-Captain
- Why Pant Is the Natural Successor
- Guwahati’s Unique Challenge: Early Start Times
- What This Means for India’s Future Leadership
- Summary
- Sources
Rishabh Pant Captain India Test: A Historic Milestone
When the first ball is bowled in Guwahati on November 21, 2025, Rishabh Pant will etch his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. His appointment as captain makes him the second wicketkeeper to lead India in Test matches, 16 years after MS Dhoni first did so in 2008 against South Africa in Chennai .
This rarity underscores just how demanding the dual role is. Leading a team requires strategic clarity, constant communication, and mental fortitude—all while managing the physical and mental load of keeping wickets for up to 90 overs a day. Very few players globally have shouldered this responsibility successfully.
Pant’s leadership debut comes at a critical juncture. With the series level at 0–0 after a high-scoring draw in Kolkata, India needs a fresh spark. And who better than a player known for rewriting scripts under pressure?
The Legacy of MS Dhoni as Wicketkeeper-Captain
MS Dhoni didn’t just captain India—he redefined what Indian cricket could achieve. As a wicketkeeper-captain, he led the team to historic triumphs: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In Tests, he captained in 60 matches, winning 27 and drawing 17—a record that placed India among the world’s top Test sides during his tenure .
More than stats, Dhoni brought calm, tactical innovation, and unmatched field placements to the table. His ability to read the game from behind the stumps gave him an edge few captains have ever possessed.
Wicketkeeper-Captains in Indian Test History
- MS Dhoni: First wicketkeeper to captain India in Tests (2008–2014). Led in 60 Tests.
- Rishabh Pant: Second wicketkeeper to captain India in Tests (2025–present). Set to lead in Guwahati.
Notably, other legendary Indian keepers like Syed Kirmani and Nayan Mongia never captained the national side, highlighting just how unique this club truly is.
Why Pant Is the Natural Successor
Pant may not mirror Dhoni’s calm demeanor, but he embodies a new kind of leadership: fearless, instinctive, and unapologetically aggressive. His match-winning knocks in Sydney (2021) and Brisbane (2021) weren’t just about skill—they revealed a mind that thrives in chaos.
Teammates have long praised his cricketing intelligence. Virat Kohli once called him “the best reader of the game among young players.” Even during his recovery from a horrific car accident in 2022, Pant’s determination inspired the entire squad .
Now, as captain, he’ll bring that same intensity to team strategy. Expect bold declarations, attacking fields, and a relentless pursuit of victory—hallmarks of modern Indian cricket under his influence.
Guwahati’s Unique Challenge: Early Start Times
Adding another layer to this historic match is Guwahati’s geographical reality. Located in India’s easternmost time zone, the city experiences early sunsets. To maximize playing time under natural light, the match will start at **9:00 AM IST**—30 minutes earlier than the standard Test start .
This adjustment means players will need to adapt quickly. Morning conditions in November can offer moisture and swing, potentially favoring the bowlers in the first session. For Pant, this presents his first tactical test as captain: how to use the new ball to maximum effect against a resilient South African top order.
What This Means for India’s Future Leadership
Pant’s captaincy isn’t just a one-off. It signals a potential long-term succession plan. With Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of his career and KL Rahul’s inconsistent returns, the BCCI is likely evaluating future leadership options across formats.
Pant’s performance in Guwahati could accelerate that conversation. A strong showing—both with bat and as a tactician—might position him as a serious candidate for vice-captaincy or even full-time leadership in the post-Rohit era.
For fans and fantasy managers, this is a pivotal moment. Tracking Pant’s decisions—field placements, bowling changes, batting order tweaks—will offer invaluable insights into his leadership DNA. For deeper analysis on emerging captains, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:future-captains-of-team-india].
Summary
Rishabh Pant’s appointment as captain for the 2nd Test against South Africa marks a watershed moment in Indian cricket. With Rishabh Pant captain India Test, he joins MS Dhoni as the only two wicketkeepers to lead the nation in the longest format—a testament to his resilience, talent, and growing influence. Set against the backdrop of Guwahati’s early sunsets and an adjusted 9 AM start, this match is more than a series decider; it’s the dawn of a new leadership chapter. As Pant steps onto the field with the armband, he doesn’t just carry his own legacy—he carries the hopes of a nation watching history unfold.