‘Rishabh Pant, Forget About Being Vice-Captain of Team India’: Gautam Gambhir Must Have a Chat, Says Hemang Badani

As India prepare to face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20, former India cricketer Hemang Badani believes the best thing head coach Gautam Gambhir can tell Rishabh Pant is: “Tu apna game khel, forget that you’re the vice-captain.”

With Shubman Gill taking over Test captaincy and the retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, India’s red-ball side is entering a transitional phase. The absence of nearly 300 Tests worth of experience leaves a daunting void — but one that Pant, despite recent setbacks, is well-positioned to help fill.

While Pant’s performances in Australia and IPL 2025 weren’t exceptional — despite being the league’s most expensive player — he remains one of India’s most impactful Test batters. His numbers speak volumes: 1681 runs in SENA countries at an average of 37.81, including centuries in all but New Zealand.

His blistering 146 off 111 balls in the Edgbaston Test of 2022, rescuing India from 98 for 5, remains one of his finest innings. He had also made an unforgettable debut in 2018, smashing a six off just his second ball in Nottingham.

Ahead of the England series, Pant has been in belligerent form at the nets, hitting sixes into nearby homes in Beckenham and even damaging a roof at Lord’s — signs that the old Rishabh Pant is alive and well.

Badani, currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals, wants this version of Pant to show up — not a vice-captain burdened by responsibility.

“I genuinely hope his game doesn’t change one bit. He’s found a great balance between attack and defence. That’s what makes him special, and that’s what India need,” Badani told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview.

‘Gambhir Should Tell Pant to Play Like Himself’

Badani said the Indian team management — especially Gautam Gambhir — should reinforce Pant’s natural style.

“It’s crucial that someone like Gambhir has a word with him and says, ‘Rishabh, tu apna game khel. Don’t overthink the vice-captaincy or leadership duties. You’ve succeeded because of your positive approach — that’s what earned you this position, not playing it safe.”

Pant is expected to bat at No. 5, where he often walks in when the second new ball is due. Badani believes this role suits Pant perfectly, allowing him to seize momentum and unsettle bowlers.

“You want the bowlers under pressure, not letting them settle into rhythm. If Pant continues playing his natural, fearless game, it will help the team immensely.”

Badani also underlined the importance of backing Pant fully and giving him the freedom to express himself — something only the team management can ensure.

“If the management give him the license to bat freely, he will deliver. The only issue arises when a batter starts second-guessing himself. But Pant already has the right balance. Let him be Rishabh Pant — and India will benefit.”