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Rishabh Pant has been given a crucial responsibility to lead Team India in the absence of Shubman Gill. Pant, who will become India's 38th Test skipper, admitted that captaining team in a one-off match, such as second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, is not the best scenario.
One-off match is not the best scenario as a captain: Rishabh Pant
Pant is stepping in because regular captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out with a neck injury. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the wicketkeeper-batter emphasised that he doesn't want to over-think the role.
"Definitely, one-off match is not the best scenario as a captain. But at the same time, I'm really proud that BCCI has given me this opportunity. You know, whenever you're leading your country, it's the proudest moment," Pant said at the pre-match press conference.
Pant outlined his captaincy vision, revealing that for his debut as India's Test captain, he intends to blend traditional leadership concepts with out-of-the-box strategies. He is focused on introducing fresh ideas while respecting the established norms of the game.
When the discussion at the press conference moved specifically to his prospective style of leading the team Pant summarised his preference. He clearly expressed his desire for his approach to be a thoughtful mix of both old and new cricketing philosophies.
"I think being conventional also helps. And also adding that outside (out of) the box thinking definitely works out. So, you're going to find, for me, it's all about finding that balance between a conventional and out-of-the-box thinking," Pant added.
I want players to learn around and make the right decision for the team: Pant
According to the skipper, a primary task of his leadership will be ensuring his players have the freedom they need. He emphasized that his goal is to allow every member of the squad to fully express themselves on the field without undue pressure.
"To generalise, I want to be someone who gives that freedom and I want people and players to learn around and make the right decision for the team eventually," Pant explained his philosophy. That's the real goal and obviously whatever my knowledge is, that's going to help them on the field," the keeper batter stated.
ALSO READ: IND vs SA: Shubman Gill ruled out, Rishabh Pant confirmed to captain India for second Test
He conceded that mounting a comeback is inherently challenging when competing in a concise two-match series. The compressed schedule makes it difficult to recover momentum after an initial setback.
"It is always good to have more matches because you can come back from it. When you have a two-match series, it's harder because the pressure is all the more if you lose the first match. But at the same time, you know, these are the things which we can't control as a team," he further said.
When directly questioned about whether he felt he could have made different strategic decisions, the burly keeper acknowledged the intense scrutiny that is an inherent part of the job. He understands that every tactical move is closely analyzed when you are leading the team. He thus conceded, in response to the inquiry about potential differences in strategic calls, that the role of captain always comes with immense pressure and constant review.
"Going with a spinner was our thought process but there was always a chance when you can get a fast bowler in. But that's the challenge as a captain, you want to face each and every day that you're going to be questioned. But eventually you're going to do what you believe is right in that given frame of mind and trust that person who has the ball will do the job for the team," Pant concluded.
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