Rishabh Pant To Be Removed As India's Vice Captain in Tests? Report Makes Viral Claim

India's Test leadership structure could reportedly witness a major change ahead of the Afghanistan series, with Rishabh Pant’s role as vice-captain now under scrutiny. Pant is currently the deputy of Shubman Gill in the longest format of the game.

A report circulating on social media claimed that the BCCI may debate whether removing leadership responsibilities could help Pant focus entirely on his batting. The wicketkeeper-batter remains one of India’s biggest match-winners in Tests, but his recent outings have shown inconsistency alongside limited brilliance.

Rishabh Pant Vice Captain Role To Be Discussed

According to PTI, the Indian team management may internally discuss whether Rishabh Pant should continue as India Test vice captain during the Afghanistan series. The idea reportedly revolves around allowing him to play with complete freedom as a destructive batter rather than balancing leadership duties.

Pant has already established himself as one of India’s most impactful Test cricketers overseas, particularly in England, where he produced historic performances during the 2025 series. Currently, he is one of the best Test batsmen going around.

The left-hander smashed twin centuries at Headingley, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score hundreds in both innings of a Test in England. He also crossed 3,000 Test runs in just 76 innings, the fastest by an Indian wicketkeeper. However, his aggressive style has occasionally drawn criticism when dismissals came at crucial moments, especially during the Australia tour earlier in the cycle.

Rishabh Pant's Importance In India's Test Team

Despite not being a regular part of India's white-ball teams, Rishabh Pant has established himself as one of the most important players in Test cricket. Rishabh Pant Test cricket batting style, which is unorthdox and counter-attacking, has helped India win many games in the format.

Pant is undoubtedly one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world. Batting at No. 5, he has the ability to play both spin and pace equally well. Even if he is removed from the vice-captaincy role, he is likely to remain an important part of India's white-ball team, which has been struggling lately.

Coming to his captaincy records, Pant has led India in just one Test match, against South Africa when Shubman Gill was out due to injury. Unfortunatley, India lost the match, and the series as well.