India's five-match Test tour of England marks the beginning of a new era - without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. And with a fresh leadership pair in Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.
While Gill takes over as captain, Pant - who is just 27 - steps in as the designated vice-captain. For someone who has seen extraordinary highs and lows in a short span, Pant now wears the "senior" tag with characteristic lightness.
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Despite not being officially in charge, the wicketkeeper-batter finds himself as the second-most experienced Test player in the squad - after KL Rahul. But true to his nature, Pant’s focus is not on the titles but just the cricket.
What did Rishabh Pant say on handling pressure, leadership and team culture?
Asked about the shift in role and perception, Pant played it down in his trademark easygoing style.
"It feels good, boss. Finally. It feels good but at the same time, you know it's a responsibility also to share your knowledge, your experience with our new players. But at the same time, not focusing on that senior part too much," said Pant.
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He added that while the tag may exist, it doesn't follow him out to the middle.
"When you are in the middle of the ground, you are not thinking, 'Oh, I'm the vice-captain.' You're just a batsman and eventually the game will take care of itself," he added.
While India adapts to life without two giants of the red-ball game, Pant sees this transition as a chance to shape a new environment in the dressing room.
"Definitely big people have left, yes there will be a gap, but at the same time it's an opportunity for us to build a new culture or take the existing culture forward."
"Helping the new players to learn and improve themselves in overseas conditions, having that care and love in the dressing room for each other," he said.
Pant’s journey has been anything but ordinary. He is the only visiting wicketkeeper to score hundreds in Australia, England and South Africa.
He has battled expectations, injuries and criticism - all by the age of 27. Now, he leads by example, with intent and with empathy.