Rishabh Pant is officially back in the Indian Test side, and in no time, he has slipped into his trademark chaos-and-control mode behind the stumps. From sharp DRS calls to animated encouragement for bowlers and his signature stump-mic banter, Pant’s return has instantly injected energy, humour, and tactical sharpness into India’s campaign against South Africa in the two-match Test series.
India, once again, lost the toss at Eden Gardens as Shubman Gill announced the playing XI, with Pant’s inclusion being the most predictable change. What surprised everyone, however, was India fielding four spinners, bringing Axar Patel back into the mix. Washington Sundar, yet to bowl in the match, remains the biggest talking point in terms of both his role with the ball and his batting position.
Pant’s presence was felt right from the early exchanges. Known for his intense on-field persona, Risabh Pant combined his cricketing instincts with smart decision-making, overturning key DRS calls that later proved correct.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Stuns Kyle Verreynne With A Surprise Toe-Crushing Yorker
His latest stump-mic moments quickly made rounds on social media, especially his advice to Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav to bowl fuller at the stumps—highlighting South Africa’s vulnerability against such lines. His aggressive field placements also paid off as Temba Bavuma fell early, caught at short leg.
Rishabh Pant is back in Tests and so is the comedy, and clutch advice that only he can deliver! 😄🔥
From firing up bowlers to mic-drop one-liners on the stump mic, the man is already serving Rishabh Panti. 🎙️💙#INDvSA 1st Test LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/uK1oWLgsfx pic.twitter.com/spqaupMr3T
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 14, 2025
After India knocked out the South African top order before Lunch, Wiaan Mulder—promoted to No. 3 this series—and Tony de Zorzi walked out for the second session. Jasprit Bumrah, who thrives in Eden’s pacer-friendly spells, continued to trouble the visitors. But it was Kuldeep Yadav who produced a moment of magic, trapping Mulder plumb in front with a failed reverse sweep. The review only made South Africa’s situation worse, turning all three lights red.
Bumrah added to the collapse when he dismissed de Zorzi with a delivery that kept unexpectedly low. The Proteas burned yet another review, further sinking their batting momentum.
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One of the biggest pre-match talking points was India’s decision to drop Sai Sudharsan, who had shown promise at No. 3. Instead, Washington Sundar has been given the nod in the XI. Whether he takes up the No. 3 role or whether Dhruv Jurel moves up remains a major strategic call for Gautam Gambhir’s setup, especially with Pant settled at No. 5 on return.
