Guwahati, 22 November (Udaipur Kiran)। India’s off-spinner and all-rounder Washington Sundar believes that Rishabh Pant will rely more on his natural instincts while captaining the side in the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Pant has become India’s 38th Test captain, and is only the second wicketkeeper after Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the Indian Test team. Interestingly, Pant is captaining India in Tests for the first time at the same venue where he made his ODI debut in 2018.

Regular captain Shubman Gill has been sidelined due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test, leading to Pant being handed the leadership responsibility.

Speaking to broadcasters before the start of the match, Sundar said, “Pant is a bit different as a captain. He always trusts his instincts. We all know how he thinks about his game while batting. So, I feel he will take some interesting decisions based on his own understanding.”

The second Test between India and South Africa began at 9:00 AM, earlier than the usual 9:30 AM start for Test matches in India, with the break timings also adjusted.

India lost the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs. Reflecting on preparation, Sundar said, “We prepared well. Soon after the previous match ended, we practised at Eden Gardens and then got some days here as well.”

He added, “Conditions here are a bit different, especially with the early start. So, in the first two days, we will need to understand the conditions. That will make this match more exciting.”

With India needing a win to level the two-match series, Sundar said the team is ready to face the challenge. “This is the beauty of Test cricket — every day brings a new challenge. Playing at home gives us more confidence and we are fully prepared,” he stated.

Sundar, who batted higher in the order in the Kolkata Test and scored 29 and 31, said he enjoyed the role. “It depends on how I manage my time and day. It’s not a long series, so I can balance batting, bowling and fielding properly. Playing for India at the highest level is a big opportunity and I am happy to take it,” he said.

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