Pant backs Kuldeep with cheeky message as India push on

Day 1 of the second Test in Guwahati saw Rishabh Pant step into the captaincy role with Shubman Gill sidelined by a neck spasm, bringing a lively, vocal presence behind the stumps. His constant chatter and guidance helped steer India's bowlers through a demanding spell as South Africa built a solid start after winning the toss and opting to bat. By lunch, South Africa stood at 156 for 2, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton contributing before the break. Stubbs was unbeaten on 32 off 82 balls while Bavuma sat on 36 off 86, setting up a testing day for the hosts. Pant’s influence extended beyond field placements, with a string of stump-mic moments that captured his active leadership as he urged his bowlers to maintain intensity and momentum. The most talked-about lines came early, when Pant encouraged Kuldeep Yadav with, “badhiya KD, good start hai yeh,” and followed up with, “Come on, come on bhai, body language yaar, upar rakhenge bhai.” He kept the energy up later as he urged Kuldeep, “oye yaar KD, aise daalega toh phir wicket mil jaaeyga yaar,” and reminded the fielders, “chalo chalo bhaiyo, kud mahol banana padega.” The day highlighted Pant’s captaincy style—instinctive, communicative, and focused on sustaining pressure—even as South Africa looked well-placed to capitalize. With Gill out, India also shuffled in Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy, signaling a broader challenge for the hosts to convert chances into breakthroughs as the match progresses. Pant’s approach reflects a blend of urgency and calm, aiming to keep the innings from flattening and to lift his bowlers at every turn.

Cover image source: IND vs SA second Test: South Africa elects to bat; Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy in playing XI 🔗

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