India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has shed light on an important conversation between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rishabh Pant following the wicketkeeper-batter’s removal as vice-captain ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. According to ten Doeschate, Gambhir personally spoke to Pant about leadership responsibilities and the importance of adapting his natural game to match different situations.
Pant had served as India’s vice-captain since 2025, but the management opted to hand the role to KL Rahul for the Afghanistan Test. While the leadership change sparked debate among fans and experts, Pant’s place in the team remains secure thanks to his consistent performances with the bat. The left-hander has scored more than 1,100 international runs across the 2024-25 cycle and continues to be one of India’s most influential players in red-ball cricket.
However, questions have been raised about Pant’s leadership credentials following a challenging IPL 2026 season with Lucknow Super Giants. Reports also suggested that the BCCI was not entirely satisfied with his captaincy during India’s series against South Africa last year when he stepped in for Shubman Gill.
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Speaking ahead of the Afghanistan Test, Ryan ten Doeschate emphasised that leadership within a team extends far beyond official titles. “I don’t think you need a formal title to be a leader in a sort of elite set-up like this. Rishabh understands that, and I think he’s committed to being a good role model and senior player.”
The India assistant coach also revealed details of Pant’s discussion with Gautam Gambhir, which focused on leadership, communication, and game awareness. “Actually, I heard him and Gauti having a chat around that yesterday. About how you want to conduct yourself as a senior player, how that extends to your communication, and how you’re going to play.”
Ten Doeschate explained that the team management does not want to take away Pant’s natural aggression, which has made him one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
However, they believe there are moments when adjusting to match situations could elevate his game further. “With Rishabh’s brilliance, we don’t want to take away all the stuff that he does. But occasionally, if he can adjust his game to play the situation slightly more, I think that’s something you’ll see him work on.”
Despite losing the vice-captaincy, Risahbh Pant has reportedly remained positive around the group. Ten Doeschate praised the wicketkeeper’s attitude and insisted that the leadership change has not affected his energy or influence within the dressing room.
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“He’s been in great spirits again. He’s always one of those guys who’s happy and cheerful and drives the spirit in the team. You wouldn’t even notice that his role in the leadership structure has changed.”
As India prepare for the Afghanistan Test, the focus will now be on Pant’s performances on the field, with the management confident that he will continue to play a vital role regardless of his official designation.
