NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant, who captained India in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, becoming India's 38th Test captain, also provided an update on regular skipper Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the match due to a neck injury sustained in the first Test.

"Shubman is getting well slowly, slowly. He was very eager to play the match. But at the same time, his body didn't allow it. He's going to come back stronger," Pant said at the toss.

Pant also extended his gratitude to the BCCI for giving him the opportunity to lead the team and said that, as a cricketer, one always aspires to captain the country.

"Definitely a proud moment. As a cricketer, you always aspire to lead your country. And I'm thankful to the BCCI for giving me this opportunity. Didn't think about it, but at the same time, you want to grab it with both hands and do the best for the team. The environment is like, focus on yourself, look at the area where we can improve as a team and just come together and fight each and every moment," he said.

"We feel the wicket is good for batting. But at the same time, bowling first is not a bad option either," Pant added.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat. The visitors lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.

India made two more changes with B Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy coming in for Gill and Axar Patel.

South Africa made one change with Senuran Muthusamy replacing Corbin Bosch.