Rishabh Pant, India’s new vice-captain, has highlighted the importance of shared responsibility and team culture as a fresh chapter begins for Indian cricket. Speaking ahead of the Test series at Headingley, Pant embraced his role as a senior player in a largely youthful Indian squad and underlined the team’s focus on building a strong, unified culture under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill.
A Senior in a Young Team
Pant, long known for his energy and childlike enthusiasm both on and off the field, now finds himself among the senior members of the team at just 27. “It feels good, boss. Finally!” he laughed, acknowledging his new status. Despite the added responsibility, Pant insists it won’t change the instinctive nature of his game:
“It’s an extra added responsibility. But at the same time, when you’re in the middle of the ground, you’re not thinking, I’m the vice-captain, I’m the senior player. You’re just a batsman in between.”
A New Leadership Group
Pant also spoke about his strong off-field camaraderie with Shubman Gill, now India’s Test captain, and how their partnership will shape the team’s culture.
“If you are good friends off the field, it eventually comes on the field. It’s better for cricket always. The kind of comfort zone we have with each other, I think that is really going to be special for us.”
He views the new era as a unique opportunity to build or carry forward the team’s culture, especially as India returns to red-ball cricket after a long stretch of limited-overs matches.
Adapting to Conditions and Formats
With the switch back to Test cricket in England, Pant emphasized the need for quick adaptation and returning to basics, especially after a season focused on white-ball formats.
“When you play T20 cricket, the technical point of view goes down a bit. But coming to England, you have to keep it in mind… Playing close to the body really helped me come to England.”
Focus on Team Over Individual Glory
Despite a new-look squad, Pant dismissed the idea that India is starting as underdogs:
“We are not thinking we are a young team. The kind of conversation we have in the group is: how we can win this match, win this series. For us, it’s not about getting glory with individual players. Because if the team wins, everyone wins.”
Pant’s vision for India’s new era centers on collective growth, open communication, and a shared pursuit of team success—signalling a bold, united mindset as the team prepares for the England challenge.
