India head coach Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the discussions surrounding Rishabh Pant’s role in the Test side ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, stressing the importance of respecting match situations while backing the wicketkeeper-batter’s natural game. Pant remains a part of India’s red-ball setup despite being removed as vice-captain, a decision that has generated considerable debate ahead of the match beginning on June 6.
The comments come at a time when Pant’s place in India’s leadership group and his approach with the bat are under increased scrutiny following a series of inconsistent performances.
“We don’t want Rishabh Pant to change, but international cricket demands players to respect match situations,” Gambhir said, according to PTI.
The India coach’s remarks indicate that while the management values Pant’s aggressive and match-winning style, there is also an expectation that he adapts his decision-making to the demands of different phases of a Test match.
Pant has long been regarded as one of India’s most explosive red-ball batters, capable of altering the course of a game within a session. However, his attacking instincts have also drawn criticism when they have resulted in dismissals at crucial moments, particularly when the team has been under pressure.
Pant’s approach remains under spotlight
The wicketkeeper-batter’s game awareness has been a recurring talking point over the past two years. One of the most notable instances came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in 2024, when Pant attempted an unorthodox stroke and was dismissed at a critical stage of the match.
The shot prompted former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar to publicly criticise the dismissal, famously describing it as “stupid, stupid, stupid” on air. The incident reignited the debate around balancing Pant’s natural attacking instincts with the responsibilities that come with batting in challenging Test situations.
More recently, Pant’s performances in the Test series against South Africa also came under scrutiny. While India endured a historic series defeat, questions were raised over the wicketkeeper’s shot selection and ability to manage key moments during innings.
His removal from the limited-overs setup has only intensified discussions about his future role within the national team. Competition for the wicketkeeper-batter’s position has increased, with several players producing stronger returns in white-ball cricket.
Despite the criticism, Pant continues to enjoy the backing of the team management in the longest format, where his record includes several memorable innings in difficult overseas conditions. Gambhir’s comments suggest that India are not looking to fundamentally alter Pant’s approach but rather encourage him to blend aggression with greater situational awareness.
As India prepare to face Afghanistan, Pant will once again find himself under the spotlight, with every innings likely to be closely examined as he attempts to justify the faith shown in him by the team management.
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