![Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780645477163_RishabhPant.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed key selection changes in the Test setup of the Indian team, where wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been replaced as vice-captain by KL Rahul ahead of the one-off Test match against Afghanistan.
Notably, the discussion has gained attention as India prepare for important fixtures, including the upcoming Test against Afghanistan starting on June 6.
India's Squad For Only Test vs Afghanistan
India announced a 15-member squad for the one-off Test series a few weeks ago. The squad included several notable decisions, including rest for senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.
In this update, the biggest surprise came when Rishabh Pant was removed from the vice-captain role. KL Rahul was then assigned the responsibility to support Shubman Gill in leadership duties.
It is important to note that Rishabh Pant’s recent Test form came under review after India’s 0-2 home series loss to South Africa. In that series, he played aggressive shots in key moments, which led to losing his wicket early. Across two matches, he scored 49 runs with an average of 12.25.
These numbers raised concerns among selectors who expected more control in pressure situations.
Gautam Gambhir’s Statement On Team Approach
Ahead of the Afghanistan Test, Gautam Gambhir shared clear views on how the team expects Rishabh Pant to respond in international cricket. Notably, his comments focused on discipline and understanding match situations at the highest level.
“We don't want Rishabh Pant to change, but international cricket demands players to respect match situations,” Gautam Gambhir told reporters.
“We understand we need to prepare better for rests," he added.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant's LSG Successor For IPL 2027 Named
Rishabh Pant’s Underwhelming Performance In IPL 2026
Pant also experienced a mixed season in IPL 2026 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. He scored 312 runs in 13 innings with a strike rate of 138.05.
Following a disappointing finish for the franchise, he stepped away from captaincy duties after the season ended. This development added further attention to his leadership role at both domestic and international levels.
Team India Assistant Coach Broke Silence On Pant's Demotion
Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated that there were no complaints from Pant regarding the vice-captaincy change.
He explained that discussions between Pant and the management have remained open and professional. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of reading match situations better while still allowing Pant to play his natural game.
“I don't think you need a formal title to be a leader in a lead set-up like this. I think Rishabh understands that, and I think he's committed to being a good role model and a senior player,” he said.
“With Rishabh's brilliance, we don't want to take away all the stuff that he does. Occasionally, if he can adjust his game to play the situation slightly more, I think that's something you'll see him work on. But he's been in great spirits again. He's one of those guys who's happy and cheerful and drives the spirit in the team. We've got no complaints from him,” he added.
It is important to note that Rishabh Pant remains one of India’s strongest Test performers in recent years. He has scored 3,476 runs in 49 matches at an average close to 43, including eight centuries.
Also Read: Reality Check Served As Gautam Gambhir Shows Optimism On Winning WTC 2027
