During the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Rishabh Pant, the designated vice-captain, stepped up as acting captain on multiple occasions when Shubman Gill was off the field. Gill, who had scored a remarkable double century, was temporarily off the field due to receiving treatment for a back issue that had been troubling him since the Headingley Test. Pant's leadership, though brief, proved to be impactful, particularly in a crucial DRS (Decision Review System) call.

On Day 3, during the 88th over, Mohammed Siraj bowled to Brydon Carse. Siraj appealed for an LBW (leg before wicket) decision, believing the ball had struck Carse's pads first, but the on-field umpire, Saikat, remained unmoved. Pant, convinced that the ball had indeed hit the pad before the bat, signaled for a DRS review.

At the time Pant signaled for the DRS, Gill was off the field. Replays confirmed that the ball had pitched in line, there was no involvement of the bat, the impact was in line, and it would have gone on to hit the leg stump. Consequently, the third umpire overturned the original decision, and Carse was declared out. Siraj was ecstatic, and Gill, who had returned to the field, gave Siraj a warm hug in celebration of the successful review.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, commentating on the game, praised Pant's judgment, stating, "It was Rishabh Pant who actually took the review. Shubman Gill came charging in and gave Siraj a warm hug for handling the DRS call in his absence. That was a great review". Siraj went on to take more wickets and ended the day with six wickets.

Gill experienced some discomfort when he was struck on the head while fielding at first slip. The incident occurred during Ravindra Jadeja's over when Harry Brook powerfully drove a ball that hit Gill, leaving him in pain. Pant was quick to check on Gill and immediately called for the team physio. Fortunately, after receiving treatment, Gill was able to resume fielding.

Pant also showed his awareness and proactive nature when he noticed Harry Brook seemingly wasting time during England's innings. Pant promptly brought the matter to the umpire's attention, highlighting that Brook was taking excessive time between deliveries. Gill supported Pant’s observation by complaining to the umpire about Brook's tactics. The umpire acknowledged the concern but indicated his limitations, stating he couldn't physically push the batter.

Earlier in the match, Gill had achieved a significant milestone by scoring a double century. His innings of 269 runs not only set a new personal best but also broke several records. Gill became the first Indian captain to score a double century in England and the first Indian batter to hit a double ton in Tests outside Asia since Virat Kohli in 2016. His score surpassed Sunil Gavaskar's previous highest score by an Indian on English soil and also exceeded Virat Kohli's highest score as an Indian Test captain.