Rishabh Pant spoke honestly after India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati. He said India “didn’t capitalize on key moments” and “took things for granted.” But as stand-in captain, Pant must now set the standard for the very discipline he’s asking from the team. His talent is unquestioned. His match-winning potential is rare.
But Test cricket demands control, patience, and emotional balance. Pant often plays high-risk shots under pressure. In this series, those risks hurt India at crucial stages. Teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan, despite having fewer resources and smaller player pools, demonstrate stronger discipline in challenging situations.
Pant can draw important lessons from how these teams fight for every ball, every hour, and every single moment. His leadership evolution will depend on his ability to absorb these qualities.
India lost key phases from strong positions. They had South Africa at 246 for 6 but allowed them to score 489. Their chase collapsed despite reprieves. Pant must now turn awareness into action. Leadership is more than statements. It’s about setting the tone in pressure moments.
Bangladesh Team Teaches the Value of Session Discipline Over Flair
Bangladesh is not the most powerful Test side, but its growth comes from session-by-session survival. They rarely dominate with pace or spin alone. Instead, they grind. They fight through dull phases. They absorb pressure with patience.
Pant’s game is built on flair. But in Tests, flair needs a strong foundation. Bangladesh shows how discipline builds opportunities. Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das all built resilience from countless tough overs.
Even when they lose, they make opponents earn every wicket. Pant has the skill to score faster than any of them. However, he must learn to control their emotions. Their ability to defend for long periods is something India needed desperately during collapses.
Pant’s strength is counterattack. But he needs a “third gear” — patient, risk-free survival. That gear is what Bangladesh players rely on to stretch innings. Pant’s Test career will peak when he learns when to slow down.
Afghanistan Shows How Hunger Outweighs Reputation
Afghanistan plays with unfiltered passion. Their players show intense hunger in every Test. They fight for every run and wicket. They face world-class attacks without hesitation. Their discipline is built on survival instinct, not reputation. Pant sometimes plays with the comfort of being a star.
Afghanistan plays like every session defines their careers. Their ability to shut out noise and commit to long spells is something Pant can adopt as their spinners bowl with fierce pride. Their batters defend with heart and energy, never dip.
People need emotional consistency during difficult moments. Afghanistan’s fight reflects a raw, honest love for Test cricket. That spirit is what can elevate Pant’s leadership.
Afghanistan shows resilience without big names. Pant must steady himself emotionally, especially after setbacks. Test cricket rewards calm, deliberate decision-making, not impulsive action.
Pant Needs Sharper Situational Awareness to Lead a Young Indian Side
India’s batting collapse happened because players misread the conditions and moments. Pant must become the best reader of situations. Young players look to him for guidance and mentorship. He must clearly communicate plans A, B, and C.
Bangladesh seniors talk constantly between balls. Afghanistan guides its youngsters through every phase. Pant must now evolve into a communicator who shapes field placements, tempo, and risk levels. Leadership requires control over rhythm. Pant must master that rhythm.
Runs matter, but Test leadership comes from game awareness. Pant must grow into a captain who senses danger before it arrives.
Building Patience Is Pant’s Biggest Challenge — And His Biggest Opportunity
Pant’s instinct is to dominate. But domination in Tests begins with patience. He must learn to break bowlers down through survival first. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not afraid of long battles. Their players fight ball after ball. Pant can mix aggression with calculated calmness. That blend can make him unstoppable. He doesn’t need to remove flair. He must learn when to hold it back.
Pant’s bravery is his gift. His balance will be his legacy. Teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan demonstrate that even without firepower, balance can win matches.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant has the talent to become one of India’s most impactful Test players. However, talent requires patience, situational intelligence, and emotional steadiness. Bangladesh teaches survival as Afghanistan teaches hunger. Both teach discipline.
Pant must combine these lessons with his natural aggression to lead India out of their tough phase. This series was a wake-up call. The next step is learning, adapting, and evolving — just as great Test captains always do.
