Rishabh Pant is no stranger to England, but this time, things are different. On his third full tour of the country where he made his Test debut in August 2018, Pant steps in with more than just his bat—he brings leadership. Elevated to the role of vice-captain in India’s Test team, Pant is no longer just the cheeky, instinct-driven batter. He is now a pillar in a new era of Indian cricket, supporting newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill.
Pant made a bold impression early in his Test career with a century at The Oval in just his third match. Despite India losing that game, his 114-run knock alongside KL Rahul hinted at the brilliance that lay ahead. He returned in 2022 with an even more explosive 146 at Edgbaston, once again showcasing his fearless approach.
Instinct vs Responsibility: Can Pant Balance Both?
Pant admits that batting in England comes with its own challenges. He speaks of upscaling basics and respecting the conditions, but his natural instinct still leans toward aggression. He knows criticism will follow if he fails, but he’s willing to take that risk—if the odds are right.
With a Test average of 42.11 and a strike rate over 73, Pant is far from conventional. He hits almost one six per innings in Tests, a rarity for most batters, especially in the five-day format. Yet, behind the stumps and in the dressing room, Pant’s voice has always mattered. Even under Kohli and Rohit, he often directed the field, earning trust with his game sense.
Now, with leadership added to his profile, the question isn’t whether Pant can continue being explosive—it’s whether he can balance that instinct with his new responsibilities. For Indian cricket, this moment is about transition. And for Pant, it’s about stepping into a role many always believed he was destined for.
As the tour progresses, all eyes will be on Pant—not just to entertain, but to lead.
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