During the second Test match between India and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, a fascinating exchange between Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, and Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, was caught on the stump microphone, revealing a moment of on-field strategizing and camaraderie. The incident occurred on the first day of the Test, after England chose to bowl first.
As Gill and Pant batted together, forming a 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket, their discussion about running between the wickets was clearly audible. Pant, known for his aggressive batting style, was heard advising Gill to be cautious and to avoid preempting runs. Pant's specific words were, "Dekh lenge call pe. Pehle hi mat decide kar kuch bhi. Call rakhenge ek," which translates to, "It depends on the call. Don't preempt anything. Stick to one call". This advice underscores the importance of clear communication and calculated decision-making in high-pressure situations during a Test match.
Earlier in the series, during the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, Pant had also offered Gill advice that was caught on the stump mic, cautioning him against taking unnecessary risks. On that occasion, Gill stepped out of his crease to play a fuller delivery from Shoaib Bashir, prompting Pant to warn him against aerial shots. Pant's words were, "Niche hi reh nikal raha hai toh. Ye aa jaata, uth gaya," meaning, "Keep it down if you're stepping out. That one rose a bit, could've been caught". This highlights Pant's awareness of the game situation and his willingness to guide his captain.
These instances of Pant advising Gill, captured by the stump mics, provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics between the two players and their roles within the Indian team. While Pant is known for his aggressive approach, he also demonstrates a keen understanding of the game and a desire to help his teammates succeed. Gill, on the other hand, appears receptive to Pant's advice, indicating a strong level of trust and mutual respect between the two.
Interestingly, Sachin Tendulkar observed the stump-mic chatter between Gill and Pant during the first Test and suggested that they were employing "mind games" to disrupt the rhythm of England's Shoaib Bashir. Tendulkar noted that their loud conversations in Hindi between deliveries were not just casual talk but a deliberate tactic to unsettle the bowler.
Despite the helpful chatter, the first Test between England and India saw both Gill and Pant score centuries in a losing effort. Gill scored 147 runs in the first innings, marking a strong start to his Test captaincy, while Pant registered scores of 134 and 118, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to hit twin tons in a Test. However, England chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory.
Beyond the on-field dynamics and stump-mic moments, there have been instances where the relationship between Gill and Pant has been subject to speculation. For example, after Gujarat Titans lost to Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match, fans speculated about tension between Gill and Pant based on a seemingly cold handshake between the two. However, others dismissed this as playful banter between teammates.
