IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025: As India gears up for the much-anticipated 1st Test against England in Leeds, vice-captain Rishabh Pant addressed the media, sharing deep insights into the team’s mindset, his personal comeback journey, and the emotional weight carried by the squad following a tragic air accident that has saddened both India and the UK.
“New Era, New Energy”: Pant on the Team’s Direction
Rishabh Pant emphasized that this tour marks the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket. With Shubman Gill taking over as Test captain and Pant as his deputy, there’s a clear shift in leadership and culture.
“It’s an opportunity for us to build a new culture or take the previous one forward. Helping youngsters grow, sharing knowledge, and caring for each other in the dressing room is something we’re focusing on,” said Pant.
Mental Toughness & Enjoyment Over Pressure
Pant reflected on maintaining a healthy team environment, saying it’s crucial not to lose the love for the game amidst the pressures of top-level cricket.
“Playing at the highest level can sometimes make you stop enjoying cricket. That’s something we want to avoid. We want to create a space where players perform at their best while still enjoying the sport,” he added.
On His Role Post-Injury: “Just Being on the Ground is Special”
This Test series also marks Pant’s emotional return to red-ball cricket after a long injury layoff due to a near-fatal car crash in 2022. He shared how the support from fans helped him get back to the game.
“Just being back on the ground is a win for me. The love and support from people have been overwhelming. I want to keep learning and give my 200% every single day,” said an emotional Pant.
Addressing National Tragedy: “We Want to Make India Smile Again”
The press conference took a poignant turn when a reporter asked about the recent Air India AI-171 plane crash, which claimed many lives and left the nation in grief.
“Yes, emotions are high. The tragedy shocked the entire country. We can’t erase the pain, but we’ll try to lift spirits by putting our best foot forward. We play to make India proud,” Pant affirmed.
Technical Adjustments for Red Ball Cricket in England
Pant explained the tactical and technical differences in adjusting from white-ball cricket back to the red-ball format:
“In England, it’s important to play the ball late and close to the body because the Duke ball moves a lot. Most of the adjustment is mental, but a few technical tweaks—like staying side-on—help too,” he shared.
On Batting Order & Strategy
He also clarified the likely batting positions, confirming that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4, and he will take the No. 5 spot.
Regarding England’s relatively inexperienced bowling line-up in the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Pant said:
“Of course, it’s a relief not to face Anderson and Broad. But we still respect their current bowling attack. We don’t take anyone lightly.”
On Captaincy Dynamics with Shubman Gill
Speaking about his rapport with skipper Shubman Gill, Pant said their off-field friendship will reflect positively on the field.
“We have great camaraderie off the field. That helps on the field too. We’re focused on playing smart, aggressive, but condition-aware cricket,” he noted.
Final Message: “Team Before Individual Glory”
Pant signed off with a strong message of team-first philosophy:
“We’re not focusing on individual milestones. The goal is simple: win matches for India. If the team wins, everyone wins.”
IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025: This press conference by Rishabh Pant wasn’t just about cricket—it was a powerful statement on leadership, emotional resilience, and the responsibility of representing India in challenging times. With a fresh approach and renewed spirit, Team India is all set to begin a new Test chapter under the leadership of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.
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