Team India will begin its World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle on Friday with the first match of a five-Test series against England. The series will be played in England and will also mark a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.

This is not just about points in the WTC. It is the start of a transitional phase for India. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the longest format, a younger Indian team will now carry the legacy forward.

Shubman Gill Leads India for the First Time

Young opener Shubman Gill has taken over as India’s new Test captain. Rishabh Pant, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter, will serve as vice-captain.

Pant will continue to bat at number five, but now he also has leadership duties. As a result, his style of play and decision-making are under the spotlight.

Pant Urged to Show More Maturity

Pant has always played with aggression and confidence, but many believe he must now show greater maturity, especially after criticism during the 2024–25 Australia tour.

During that series, Pant often threw away his wicket by playing risky shots. Fans and former players questioned his shot selection under pressure.

Tendulkar’s Advice: Be Smart, Not Just Fearless

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar weighed in on the debate. He encouraged Pant to follow his instincts, but also advised him to play with more awareness of the match situation.

"He [Pant] should back his instincts most of the time," Tendulkar said. “But there'll be situations where he'll have to curb his game in the interests of the team,” he added, speaking to ESPNCricinfo.

Tendulkar explained that Pant must be flexible in his mindset. There will be moments in a match when he must play defensively to help the team.

“If there are times when you're looking to save the game, then he may have to adapt that defensive approach, for let's say an hour or 45 minutes or sometimes two hours, where he'll have to just take those risky shots out of the game and not be as aggressive,” said Tendulkar. “He could be positive, but the shot selection will come into play.”

Tendulkar’s Take on Leading Pant

Tendulkar also shared how he would handle Pant as captain. He said he would usually give Pant the freedom to play his natural game, except in certain match situations.

"Nine out of ten times, if I'm the captain, I'll say, 'Just go out and play your game, why worry about anything.' If you're looking to save the game, that is when the approach changes a bit,” he explained. “But otherwise I would tell him that you go out and be yourself and do what you feel is in the best interest of the team."

A New Test Journey Begins

As India heads into a tough away series, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill’s captaincy and Rishabh Pant’s evolution. The team is younger and less experienced, but eager to prove itself on the world stage.

Pant’s ability to balance aggression with responsibility and awareness could shape not just the series, but India’s future in Test cricket.