New Delhi, Nov. 21 -- Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Rishabh Pant's experience as a wicketkeeper-batter will help him lead India in the deciding Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Pant is set to take over the captaincy after India's 30-run defeat in the opening Test at Eden Gardens. With Shubman Gill not playing due to injury, Pant faces a crucial task to level the series.

Ponting, who has worked with Pant in the IPL, said that stepping in as a stand-in captain after a recent Test loss is challenging, but Pant's experience as a wicketkeeper helps him read the game and handle evolving match situations.

"It's never easy to come in and fill in for someone as a stopgap captain, especially when you've just lost a Test m...