With great power comes great responsibility. This line didn’t just make Peter Parker into Spider-Man; it made him a hero. Now, as India gets ready to start a new chapter in Test cricket with the five-match series against England starting June 20 at Headingley, it’s time for India’s own Spidey—Rishabh Pant—to really take this lesson to heart.
Fans call Pant Spidey because of his quick reflexes behind the stumps and his thrilling batting style. But he’s no longer just a crowd-pleaser or a cheerleader in the dressing room. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma out of Test cricket, the 27-year-old is now among the more experienced players in the team—and he’s the vice-captain.
This isn’t just a title; it’s a big moment in his career. Like Peter Parker had to earn his place as an Avenger, Pant now has to step up as the second-in-command to newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, who’s also playing his first full Test series as a leader. If Gill is India’s new Captain America, he’ll need Pant not just to hit runs, but to keep the team stable.
Pant has always been unpredictable—playing daring shots and often getting India out of trouble. He has a good record in England: 556 runs in nine Tests at 32.70, two centuries and two fifties. One standout performance was in Edgbaston in 2022 when Pant scored 146 off 111 balls, rescuing India from a precarious 98 for 5.
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But consistency is what India needs from him now. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he was criticized for a reckless shot when the team needed stability, and Sunil Gavaskar’s famous comment about his shot selection was a reminder of how much potential Pant has, but also of the expectation that comes with his position. He can’t just play on instinct when the team’s hopes are on his shoulders.
Pant knows this change, he says he’s looking forward to his senior role and helping the young players. It feels good, but it’s also a responsibility to share my knowledge with the new guys coming to the team. I still need to focus on my game and keep learning, he said.Now he has to show it. Pant can’t just be flashy; he has to play well.
As for Shubman Gill, India’s new 25-year-old captain, he’s entering a big role in this transition. His cool and classy approach is good, but he’ll need Pant’s help especially in tough situations. Pant will be the bridge between the dressing room and the field—a voice of experience in England.
Batting at No. 5, Pant’s game will be crucial in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle from 2025 to 2027. A good start at Headingley will set the tone for India’s Test future.
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Fans have always loved Pant’s energy and ability to change the game quickly but now they need him to be a match-winner. He’s outgrown the label of just a talented rookie. Now as vice-captain he carries the weight of leadership in this new phase for India.
If he gets it right this series could be his defining moment—the moment when he transforms from a fan favourite to a key player for the team. It’s time for the chaos to settle into focus where his power aligns with purpose. Shubman Gill may have the captaincy responsibility but the team’s success will depend largely on Spidey’s performance
