India take on South Africa in the second Test of the two-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This match has become very crucial for India after their heavy loss in the first Test. A defeat here will give South Africa a series win in India once again, which is something that the home team will want to avoid at all costs. One of the biggest hopes for India will be Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in strong form and is seen as the most reliable Test batter for India right now. This match will also be special for him as he is set to achieve a rare milestone that only MS Dhoni has achieved before. Pant to Captain India in Tests for First Time Shubman Gill, who led India in the first Test, has been ruled out of the second Test by a neck spasm he sustained in Kolkata. The unavailability of Gill means India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant will captain for the very first time in Test cricket. With this, Pant will be the second wicketkeeper in India's history to captain in a Test match. The only other player to have captained India in Tests has been MS Dhoni, who last captained them in the final Test match in 2014 against Australia. The leadership role of Pant in Guwahati is what many fans have been waiting for; it is the beginning of a new era in his cricket journey. Also Read | Ravichandran Ashwin Criticises Umpiring in Ranji Trophy for Casual Appeal Handling Gill Still Keen to Play but BCCI Not Willing to Risk Him Still recovering, Shubman Gill has travelled with the team to Guwahati, PTI reports quoting sources. Sources added that he is keen to play the second Test but the BCCI medical team does not want to rush him back into action as five-day cricket can put extra pressure on his neck injury. Gill is also likely to miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as the board wants him to recover completely. The BCCI said in an official statement that Gill was taken to the hospital after Day 2 of the Kolkata Test and has been responding well to treatment. His condition will continue to be monitored, and the final call on his return will be taken later. Gill's absence means India will bank heavily on Pant’s leadership and batting skills. They also need support from other senior players. Not only does this Test present India with their best opportunity to come back in the series, but it is also a big moment in Rishabh Pant's career.