Rishabh Pant's Controversial Dismissal Haunts India's Fourth-Innings Chase in Mumbai Test

In a dramatic turn of events during India’s fourth-innings chase against New Zealand in the Mumbai Test, Rishabh Pant’s dismissal has become a pivotal moment that many believe influenced the match's outcome. Pant, who scored a brisk 64 runs off 57 balls, was given out caught bat-pad after a review overturned the on-field umpire's decision. The incident occurred when India was at a precarious 106 for 6, just 41 runs shy of victory. Ultimately, New Zealand clinched the match by 25 runs, securing a historic 3-0 series sweep.

After the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his confusion over the dismissal. "About that dismissal, I honestly, I don't know," he stated. "If we say something, it is not accepted well. But if there is not conclusive evidence, it has to stand with the umpire's on-field decision. That is what I have been told. So I don't know how that decision was overturned since the umpire didn't give him out."

Rohit further commented on the ambiguity of the situation, emphasizing the need for consistency in umpiring decisions: "The bat was clearly close to the pad. So, again, I don't know if it is the right thing for me to talk about. It is something for the umpires to think about. Have the same rules for every team, not keep changing their mind."

Earlier in the day, New Zealand had missed an opportunity to review a potential lbw shout against Pant when India was at 59 for 5. Replays indicated a clear case for lbw, returning three reds in the DRS. Later, in the 22nd over, Ajaz Patel made two unsuccessful appeals against Pant. The first was for a catch at slip, which the on-field umpire deemed not out, a decision confirmed by DRS.

The controversial dismissal occurred when Pant attempted to adjust to a shorter delivery from Ajaz Patel. After successfully charging down the pitch earlier in his innings, Pant found himself in a defensive position, resulting in a faint edge that lobbed off his front pad to the wicketkeeper. While the close-in fielders believed there was an inside edge, umpire Richard Illingworth disagreed, prompting New Zealand captain Tom Latham to seek a review.

The incident has reignited discussions on the application of DRS and the need for uniform standards in officiating, with fans and players alike left questioning the integrity of critical decisions in high-stakes matches.

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