Guwahati: The second Test between India and South Africa marks a historic moment for Guwahati, which has now joined India’s Test venues as the 30th city. The match also witnessed a leadership change for India. With Shubman Gill sidelined due to a neck injury, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was named India’s 38th Test captain, making history in India’s 95-year Test cricket legacy.
However, Pant could not change India’s ongoing streak of misfortune with the toss. At the Barsapara Stadium, the coin fell in favor of South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, allowing the visitors to bat first on the red soil pitch.
India’s Toss Record Remains Bleak
India has lost the toss in 8 out of its last 9 Test matches, winning only once during this period. Earlier this year, in the five-match series in England, Shubman Gill did not win a single toss, though India managed to draw the series 2-2, mitigating the impact of toss losses. In previous matches, including the Kolkata Test against South Africa, losing the toss forced India to bat last on a turning pitch, resulting in a dramatic defeat while chasing 124 runs, being bowled out for 97.
Despite this, Pant remained calm. He stated that while the pitch appears batting-friendly, opting to bowl first would not have been a wrong choice either.
Pant: India’s Second Wicketkeeper-Captain
By taking over as captain in Guwahati, Pant also became only the second wicketkeeper-batsman to lead India in Tests, following MS Dhoni.
Five Captains in Five Years
India’s Test leadership has seen rapid changes in the current decade. Between 2021 and 2025, Pant became the fifth player to captain India in Tests. Previously, Rohit Sharma led in 24 matches, Jasprit Bumrah in 3, KL Rahul in 3, and Virat Kohli continued his tenure from the previous decade.
As India faces South Africa in Guwahati, all eyes will be on Pant’s leadership and whether he can turn the tide in India’s favor despite the ongoing toss curse.
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