New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant managing the captaincy responsibilities for India during the upcoming second Test against South Africa. He noted that Pant's extensive experience will significantly aid him in leading the team with Shubman Gill sidelined due to a neck injury sustained during the first match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Pant is set to become India's 38th Test captain when the Guwahati Test kicks off at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Saturday. A win that levels the series in Guwahati will also promote India to third place in the World Test Championship standings.

“Filling in as a temporary captain, especially right after a Test match loss, is never easy. However, Rishabh has gained considerable experience as a Test player,” Ponting stated.

“As a wicketkeeper, he likely has a better perspective on the evolving dynamics of the game. He has successfully led at the IPL level for several years and previously with Delhi Capitals. I'm confident he will manage well,” Ponting added during the ICC Review show.

Pant and Ponting have previously shared a captain-coach relationship at Delhi Capitals before Pant's transfer to Lucknow Super Giants and Ponting's move to Punjab Kings. Pant has significant leadership experience from white-ball formats and previously captained India in the T20I series against South Africa in June 2022.

While this will be Pant's inaugural captaincy in red-ball cricket, he can draw upon his experience leading Delhi in the Ranji Trophy and recently guiding India A in the two-match series against South Africa A at the BCCI CoE ground in Bengaluru. Ponting is eager to observe how Pant adjusts his playing style in Guwahati under the additional leadership responsibilities.

“It will be fascinating to see if he alters his batting style due to his captaincy role. I believe he will manage the occasion adeptly. One often overlooked aspect of these younger Indian players is their readiness for Test matches or leadership roles, thanks to their experiences in the IPL,” he remarked.

“The IPL holds almost equal significance to a Test match for many players because of the crowds and pressure associated with IPL games. Modern players seem better prepared for leadership and the gravity of such situations than they were 15 years ago. Hence, I am certain Rishabh will manage seamlessly,” he concluded.