Picture Credit: BCCI
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Rishabh Pant following his removal as the team’s Test vice-captain, stating that the wicketkeeper-batter should continue expressing himself freely on the field while sharpening his understanding of crucial match situations.
The selectors appointed KL Rahul as vice-captain ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, replacing Pant in the leadership group.
The decision attracted significant attention after Pant’s difficult Test tour of South Africa and a modest IPL 2026 season with the Lucknow Super Giants.
Addressing the media before the Afghanistan fixture in New Chandigarh, Gambhir reaffirmed the team’s faith in Pant’s natural attacking instincts. He explained that the coaching staff has no intention of asking Pant to transform his style. Instead, the focus remains on helping him identify when aggression is most effective and when circumstances require a more measured approach.
According to Gambhir, international cricket demands not only skill but also a clear understanding of the game’s changing dynamics.
The Indian coach highlighted that every format of the game ultimately revolves around scoring runs and taking wickets.
While players may adopt different methods to achieve success, recognising what a specific situation requires remains a vital aspect of top-level cricket.
The Indian coach suggested that good judgment often makes the difference between individual brilliance and match-winning contributions.
Gambhir also dismissed suggestions that losing the vice-captaincy should be viewed as a major setback. He stressed that the primary responsibility for every cricketer is to perform for India rather than focus on leadership designations.
Gambhir described positions such as captain and vice-captain as outcomes of performance and trust rather than goals in themselves.
Pant will mark a significant milestone when he plays his 50th Test match against Afghanistan.
The 28-year-old has accumulated 3,476 runs in 49 Tests at an average of 42.91. He has registered eight centuries and 18 fifties during his red-ball career.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Likely To Miss Afghanistan ODI Series Due To Hamstring Injury
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