The highly anticipated Test series between India and England has begun, and all eyes are on the new-look Indian team under the leadership of Shubman Gill. With the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a significant void has been left in the batting order. As India prepares for this crucial series, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has stepped up to guide the young captain, offering valuable insights and support.

During the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, Rishabh Pant was caught on the stump mic cautioning Shubman Gill about a potential strategy employed by the English team. Pant's warning, "Gilly, ball ban gaya hai. Banaya hai inhone abhi…(Gilly, the ball has been made, they made it now)," alluded to England's attempt to manipulate the ball to induce reverse swing. This occurs when one side of the ball becomes rougher than the other, causing it to move in the opposite direction to what is conventionally expected.

Pant's observation came during the 60th over, bowled by England spinner Shoaib Bashir, signaling that the English team was actively working to alter the ball's condition. Following Pant's heads-up, England captain Ben Stokes promptly took the ball, likely to exploit the altered ball and generate the desired reverse swing.

This incident highlights Pant's alertness and proactive approach as a vice-captain. His quick thinking and communication with Gill could prove crucial in countering England's tactics and preventing them from gaining a significant advantage.

Beyond this specific warning, Pant's role in mentoring Gill extends to strategizing the batting order. Pant has confirmed that Gill will take the crucial No. 4 position, previously held by Virat Kohli, while he himself will bat at No. 5. This decision reflects the team management's confidence in Gill's ability to shoulder the responsibility and anchor the innings.

Pant has also emphasized the importance of the camaraderie between him and Gill. "I think me and Shubman have a really good camaraderie off the field — especially off the field. If you're good friends off the field, it eventually comes on the field," Pant stated. He believes that their strong bond will translate into better coordination and understanding on the field, benefiting the team's overall performance.

With a young team and a fresh leadership dynamic, India faces a challenging but exciting opportunity to establish a new culture and build for the future. Pant's experience and guidance will be invaluable as Gill navigates the pressures of captaincy and the team adjusts to the absence of seasoned players. The upcoming matches will reveal how effectively this new partnership can lead India against a formidable English side.