Rishabh Pant’s Passive Captaincy Questioned After India Go Wicketless in Guwahati Test vs South Africa

India’s defensive approach on a benign Guwahati surface has triggered fresh criticism after South Africa added 69 unbeaten runs on Sunday morning without losing a wicket in the second Test. With the visitors cruising past 300, questions have been raised over India’s tactical rigidity and stand-in captain Rishabh Pant’s on-field decisions.

Former India captain Anil Kumble, speaking on Star Sports, expressed disappointment at India’s lack of aggression in the first session on Day 2. He pointed out that India failed to use close-in fielders when Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne were still settling, allowing the pair to build a composed stand.

South Africa resumed at 246 for 6 after Tony de Zorzi’s late wicket on Day 1, but India offered little pressure with the second new ball or their spin attack. By tea, the visitors were 316 for 6 after 111 overs, frustrating the Indian bowlers and tightening their grip on the match.

Kumble suggested the hosts appeared uncomfortable playing on a surface providing “nothing” for the bowlers after years spent dominating on spin-friendly home pitches.

Kumble Criticises Passive Tactics

Kumble highlighted India’s sluggish field placements, saying they allowed the batters to settle far too easily.

“You have to make things happen on such pitches. Bringing in close catchers early creates pressure. If you start with long-off, long-on and deep cover, the batter feels no threat,” he said.

He praised Muthusamy and Verreynne for using their feet and the depth of the crease effectively, extending their partnership to 70 runs off 179 balls.

The former coach also noted that South Africa, holding a 1–0 lead, were more than happy to bat time and deny India momentum in a series where the hosts are at risk of another home whitewash — having lost 3–0 to New Zealand last year.

India Struggle to Adapt

With Shubman Gill sidelined by injury, Pant’s captaincy came under sharper focus. India rotated Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and both spinners but failed to extract any breakthroughs on a surface offering minimal assistance.

Kumble questioned whether India’s bowlers were mentally unprepared for such conditions, noting they have become accustomed to pitches where spinners dominate and field placements require less innovation.

India now face growing pressure as South Africa continue to dictate the terms, leaving the hosts needing quick answers to avoid a series defeat.