Rishabh Pant has been given a strong message by India head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the first Test against Afghanistan in Chandigarh from June 6. Pant was dropped as vice-captain of the team, with KL Rahul named Shubman Gill's deputy.

What happened?

Pant had a poor run in the IPL, where he scored a mere 312 runs in 14 matches. During India's last Test series against South Africa, he managed just 29 runs at an average of 12.25.

Gambhir weighed in on Pant's removal as vice captain and said that a player's responsibility is to play for India and captaincy-vice captaincy is a by-product. Pant is known for his aggressive batting, but it also sometimes leads to ugly dismissals.

Why it matters for Rishabh Pant

The India coach said that he wants players to retain their instinct but also respect match situations. “Responsibility is only playing for India. Everything else – captaincy, vice-captaincy – is a byproduct… We will expect him to be the way he is.

What comes next?

Gambhir also confirmed that Sai Sudharsan will bat at No.3 against Afghanistan. Sudharsan has played six matches for India at No.3, but is yet to make a mark. He has scored 302 runs in 11 innings at an average of 27, including two fifties.

Gambhir backed Sudharsan, saying that he didn't get a fair run at the position. "Honestly, Sai hasn’t got a fair chance,” he said. “He’s only played, what, a handful of Test matches. And he started his Test career in England, which we all know is not the easiest place.

India are currently ranked sixth in the table with a PCT of 48.15. Gambhir spoke on India's chances in the World Test Championship, saying “Oh, very optimistic. And we are always optimistic. Till you have the opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship final, we’re always optimistic,

because we know the kind of quality we have and the kind of talent we have,” Gambhir told reporters on Friday. India's hopes in the WTC were hit after the team suffered a defeat. The team had also failed to win a series against England and played out at 2-2 draw.

On 6 June, Rishabh Pant will have the chance to prove himself in the first Test against Afghanistan. With Gambhir's message in mind, Pant will look to respect match situations and score runs for India. The match will be a crucial test for Pant, who has been struggling with his form lately.

Gambhir's comments on Pant's aggressive batting style will be put to the test in the upcoming match. Pant's ability to respect match situations while still playing his natural game will be key to India's success in the Test series. The first Test against Afghanistan starts on 6 June in Chandigarh,

"the ultimate aim is to score runs and take wickets.” Gambhir said. India will look to bounce back from their recent defeats and make a strong start to the Test series against Afghanistan. Rishabh Pant will be a key player in this effort, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

The stage is set for an exciting Test series between India and Afghanistan. With Gambhir's guidance, Rishabh Pant will look to make a strong impact and help India win the series. The first Test starts on 6 June, and all eyes will be on Pant as he takes to the field in Chandigarh.