After taking an unassailable 2-0 lead and thereby winning the Test series in India, New Zealand have gone on to script further history by inflicting a 3-0 clean sweep to India, which was an unprecedented outcome ahead of the culmination of the 3rd Test in Mumbai. It was an outstanding effort from the Kiwis to put a stranglehold on Team India throughout the series, and the eventual score line is a testament to the fair and square job carried out by the NZ. However, on the concluding day of the 3-match affair, a fierce controversy emanated over an umpire’s call which proved to be too big in the context of the game and seemingly shaped New Zealand’s 25-run victory.

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IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant ‘s Contentious Dismissal

Being pushed to the edge at 71/6, Rishabh Pant stood out and gave hope to India in a low-scoring chase of 147. The wicket-keeper batsman had stitched a little stand with all-rounder Washington Sundar, and when 41 runs were remaining to get past the finish line, one would have backed Pant to repeat the Gabba heroics. But just as India had begun to smell the possibilities, a loud caught-behind appeal by Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell convinced the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Rishabh Pant however objected to the decision and decided to send the decision upstairs. The replay showcased a faint spike just as when the ball moved Pant’s bat and hence 3rd umpire Paul Reiffel did not modify the on-field call.

Howbeit, what ensued the contention is that no deflection was palpable when the ball went past the bat, moreover, the bat was touching the pad simultaneously, leading a major chunk of the fans to believe that the spike was off the bat being in contact with the pad.

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AB de Villiers Has a Say On Pant’s Dismissal

Former South African batsman, AB de Villiers raised the subject on social media platform X, and expressed he was always concerned that something like this could happen at a crucial stage. De Villiers stressed that including Hotspot Technology would dispel all doubts.

While Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the 3rd India vs New Zealand Test is debatable, the discussions would only be a part of hindsight as the result has already been transpired.