New Delhi, June 4 -- Despite losing the vice-captaincy of India's Test side ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continues to remain a vital part of the team's red-ball plans, according to assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.

Pant was stripped of the vice-captaincy duties for the Afghanistan Test, with veteran batter KL Rahul taking over as deputy to skipper Shubman Gill. The decision came amid a dip in Pant's recent form, but the Indian team management has reiterated its faith in the dynamic left-hander's importance to the side.

Speaking ahead of the Test in Mullanpur starting June 6, ten Doeschate said, "I don't think you need a formal title to be a leader in a lead set-up like this. I think R...