![Gautam Gambhir irks fans [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780732719210_GautamGambhirRishabhPantINDAFG.jpg?type=hq)
Gautam Gambhir irks fans [Source: X]
In a clip going viral on social media, head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen giving specific instructions to wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant on day 1 of the ongoing one-off Test between India and Afghanistan at Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The match began on Saturday, June 6, when India opted to bat first after winning the toss. Manav Suthar was given the debut cap as he replaced Ravindra Jadeja.
Interestingly, for this Test, KL Rahul was listed as vice-captain after Pant was dropped from the leadership role due to poor form.
Gautam Gambhir instructs Rishabh Pant to play defensively
Interestingly, on day 1, India had a solid start as KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan stitched a 100+ run partnership for the second wicket. Rishabh Pant was yet to come out to bat, but he was ready and padded up in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, as Pant was waiting for his turn, head coach Gautam Gambhir had a word with the wicketkeeper batter. In a clip going viral on social media, the coach is seen instructing Rishabh to play defensive shots through gestures.
Pant, on the other hand, nodded in agreement and keenly listened to Gambhir’s advice. However, fans on social media didn’t appreciate this.
Many slammed Gautam Gambhir for not allowing Rishabh Pant enough freedom to play according to his style. By default nature, Pant is an aggressive player, and he has seen enough success in Test cricket through this same approach.
Also Read - "Cheat": KL Rahul Slammed For Not Upholding Spirit Of Cricket vs Afghanistan
However, since runs dried up from his bat in the last few months, the management wants Rishabh to change his approach and become defensive in red-ball cricket. But fans are not on board with this idea and slammed Gambhir for trying to control Pant.
Gambhir earlier warned Pant
Before the Test began, Gautam Gambhir attended a press conference and said that even though Rishabh Pant was sacked as vice-captain, he remains a key part of India’s Test team.
Gambhir did not mince his words and argued that Pant must respect match situations and play according to international standards in the red-ball format.
“We don't want Rishabh Pant to change, but international cricket demands players to respect match situations. We understand we need to prepare better for rests," Gambhir said.
The head coach clarified that while they do not want Rishabh Pant to change, he must have some maturity to his naturally aggressive game rather than becoming a completely different batter.
Rishabh Pant’s recent form in Tests
Interestingly, while Rishabh Pant is struggling in white-ball cricket, his form in the Test format is fantastic. In 2025, he played 13 innings and scored 629 runs at an average of 48, including 2 hundreds and 4 fifties.
2025 was his best year in red-ball cricket after 2021, where he scored 748 runs. Hence, dropping him as vice-captain from Tests over white-ball performance didn’t make much sense.
However, as Gautam Gambhir explained, Pant is still a vital part of the group, and vice-captaincy was snatched from him to relieve him of the pressure so he can regain confidence ahead of a busy international calendar.
Also Read - Why India ODI Squad vs England Not Announced And Who Will Replace Virat Kohli In IND vs AFG? BCCI Reveals
