Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting in the third and final Test against New Zealand came to an abrupt end due to a contentious LBW decision. On Day 2 at Wankhede Stadium, Pant misread a sharp leg-break from Ish Sodhi that spun back in and trapped him deep in the crease.
Umpire Michael Gough ruled him out, but Pant was confident the ball might have missed and opted for a review. Despite Pant’s hope for a reversal, the ball-tracking confirmed the umpire’s call, with the delivery shown clipping the leg stump. This ended Pant’s 60-run knock, which had included eight boundaries and two sixes, and marked the breaking of a significant 96-run partnership with Shubman Gill.
Pant’s Frustrated Reaction After Dismissal
As the review upheld the on-field decision, a visibly frustrated Pant left the crease, tossing his bat and expressing his displeasure towards umpire Gough. Fans at Wankhede Stadium were momentarily silent as Pant departed, disappointed by the decision that cut short his high-tempo innings.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) November 2, 2024
Pant’s frustration was understandable given the critical partnership he had built with Gill, one that had brought India back into the match after a shaky start. His dismissal gave New Zealand an opening, but the partnership’s impact was a crucial factor in India’s ongoing recovery.
India Regains Momentum Despite Missed Opportunities by New Zealand
Despite Pant’s dismissal, India fought back strongly on Day 2, with Shubman Gill continuing to anchor the innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Both Pant and Gill had been given chances as New Zealand missed key opportunities in the field—Mark Chapman and Matt Henry both dropped catches that allowed the Indian batsmen to score freely.
By the lunch break, India trailed by just 40 runs and looked poised to take a significant lead. As the match progressed, Gill, unbeaten on 70, and Jadeja aimed to solidify India’s position further against the Kiwis, who were already leading the series after securing the first two Tests.
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