India need their Spidey to lead: Rishabh Pant's test of maturity begins

India Today

4 hours ago

"With great power comes great responsibility."That line didn't just shape Peter Parker into Spider-Man—it made him a hero. A team player. A leader. And as India get ready to begin a new era in Test cricket with the five-match series against England starting June 20 at Headingley, it's time for India's very own Spidey—Rishabh Pant—to take that lesson to heart.advertisementNicknamed Spidey by fans for his reflexes behind the stumps and his acrobatic strokeplay, Pant is no longer just a crowd-puller or dressing-room hype man. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, and India entering a period of transition, the 27-year-old finds himself suddenly as one of the most experienced members of the squad—and more importantly, the vice-captain.
But this isn't just a title. It's a turning point in his career. Peter Parker got his suit from Stark, but he had to earn the weight of being an Avenger. Similarly, Pant is now second-in-command to a new captain, Shubman Gill, who himself is taking on the burden of leadership for the first time in a full-fledged Test series. If Gill is India's new Captain America in whites, then he'll need his Spidey—not just to sling boundaries, but to steady the side.No more just slinging for styleadvertisementPant has always been the wild card—scooping fast bowlers, reverse-sweeping off-spinners, chirping from behind the stumps and, more often than not, pulling India back from tricky situations with bat in hand. In England, his record is solid: 556 runs from nine Tests at an average of 32.70, including two centuries and two fifties. On how is he looking at the #TeamIndia Test vice-captaincy role Hear what Rishabh Pant had to say #ENGvIND | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/59X01ARpxm— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2025Perhaps the most memorable of those came in Edgbaston in 2022, when Pant walked in with India teetering at 98 for 5. What followed was nothing short of superhero stuff—a counter-attacking 146 off 111 balls, full of daring stroke play and fearless intent. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Pant rescued India and reminded fans of his game-breaking potential.That day, Pant went from stuntman to saviour. But now, India need that more consistently.No more "stupid, stupid, stupid" momentsFlashback to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant, once again in a pressure situation, chose flair over patience—playing a rash scoop against Scott Boland when India needed stability. His dismissal for 28 triggered one of the most viral commentary clips in recent memory, as Sunil Gavaskar let loose with a furious: 'Stupid, stupid, stupid.'advertisementIt wasn't just criticism—it was a cold reminder. Because everyone, from fans to former players, knows what Pant is capable of. But with seniority comes the expectation to read the moment better. You can't swing from buildings blindly—not when you're carrying a nation's hopes.Pant acknowledged that shift ahead of the series, saying he's relishing the senior role and is eager to help guide the young squad."It feels good but at the same time, you know it's a responsibility also to share your knowledge, your experience with our new players, new youngsters coming to the team. But at the same time, not focusing on that senior part too much, you still have to play the game, you still have to learn the game as an individual and keep helping people around you. That's how I look at it," Pant said during the press conference.But talk needs to be backed by performance. This time, Spidey can't just be flashy—he needs to be flawless.Gill's shield needs Pant's webWhile Pant prepares to evolve, the spotlight is equally bright on Shubman Gill, India's new captain. At 25, he's stepping into the shoes of legends and steering a squad in transition. While Gill brings calm and class, his leadership journey is just beginning.advertisementAnd like Iron Man needed Spider-Man on the battlefield, Gill would need Pant in the trenches. As a bridge between the dressing room and the pitch. As a voice of experience in England. As the one who's walked these paths and knows how to survive cloudy mornings and reverse swing.With Pant slated to bat at No. 5, he's not just a match-winner—he's a match-shaper. His decisions, his partnerships, his shot selection will matter more than ever in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. A strong start at Headingley could define the arc of India's red-ball future.From the multiverse to maturityPant's Spider-Man persona has always thrilled the fans. His banter, his boldness, his ability to shift gears in a flash—it's all part of the spectacle. But India now need more than a multiverse maverick. They need a mature match-winner. One who knows when to swing, and when to hold back.Like Peter Parker's evolution from Homecoming to No Way Home, Pant's path now calls for responsibility. He's not just the rookie with talent anymore. He's vice-captain, a leader, and a symbol of India's new era.advertisementIf he gets it right, this series could be Pant's Avengers moment—the one where the crowd favourite turns into the cornerstone. Where the chaos gives way to clarity. Where power finally meets purpose.Because while Shubman Gill may wear the captain's shieldIndia's fate may still hang by the web spun by Spidey. You May Also Like