- By Sunny Daud
- Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:27 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is preparing for a fresh challenge after being removed from the Test vice-captaincy role. The BCCI recently announced the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, and Pant, who served as Shubman Gill’s deputy during India’s previous Test series against South Africa, will now feature solely as a player.
Ahead of the match, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that Pant had an important one-on-one conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The discussion took place as Pant looks to regain top form following a difficult period with the bat.
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Pant has faced criticism in recent months, especially for some of his aggressive shot selections during the South Africa Test series. While his fearless style remains one of his biggest strengths, there have been questions about whether he needs to show more patience in certain situations.
Gautam Gambhir's chat with Rishabh Pant
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Doeschate said he personally overheard Pant and Gambhir discussing the responsibilities that come with being one of the senior members of the Indian team.
“I actually heard him and Gauti having a chat yesterday about how he wants to conduct himself as a senior player and how he communicates with the group, including the way he approaches his game,” Doeschate said.
The assistant coach made it clear that Pant’s removal from the vice-captaincy role does not reduce his importance within the squad.
“I don’t think he needs a formal title to be a leader in an elite team like this. Rishabh understands that very well,” he added.
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Will BCCI management back Rishabh Pant's attacking style?
Doeschate also stressed that the team management has no intention of changing Pant’s natural attacking game. Instead, they want him to make better decisions depending on the match situation.
“Rishabh’s brilliance comes from the way he plays. We don’t want to take that away from him. But there will be times when adjusting to the situation can help him and the team even more. That’s something he is working on,” Doeschate explained.
The one-off Test against Afghanistan will be the opening match of the visitors’ multi-format tour of India, which will also include a three-match ODI series. The game will be historic as it will be the first Test match played at the newly built Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
Doeschate praised Pant’s attitude around the team and said there have been no concerns about his reaction to the leadership change.
“He’s been in great spirits. He’s always cheerful and brings positive energy to the dressing room. Honestly, you wouldn’t even notice that his role in the leadership group has changed. We have absolutely no complaints about him, and I’m excited to see him back on the field,” he said.