Unseen images of dejected Rishabh Pant after controversial dismissal are breaking fans’ hearts. Watch

As Team India’s batting order crumbled after New Zealand’s spin attack in Wankhede, Rishabh Pant carried the team’s slim hopes of a consolation win solely on his shoulders. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s battling fifty gave Rohit Sharma and his side hope of making something out of the series before his controversial dismissal left everyone stunned. After New Zealand opted to use DRS, challenging the on-field umpire’s decision, the final decision went in favor of the touring side.

Pant even argued his case with the on-field umpire, suggesting that the sound ultra-edge caught could have come from his bat hitting the pad. But the wicketkeeper-batsman had no option but to walk back to the dugout of the Indian team.

While the decision continues to be debated on social media, a video of Pant’s arduous walk back home has surfaced, breaking the hearts of fans yet again.

It must have been such a tough walk to the pavilion and it shows. pic.twitter.com/zOzKLKtV43

— Sourabh (@1handed6) November 3, 2024

After India’s 0-3 series whitewash, Pant posted an Instagram story, writing, “Life is a series of seasons. When you’re in trouble, remember that growth happens in cycles. Embrace the lows, knowing they’re preparing you for the highs.”

During India’s fourth-innings chase of 147 runs on Day 3, Pant emerged as the team’s standout performer. Despite his heroic effort, India fell 25 runs short in the series finale. Pant came into the fray when the team was in trouble, having lost five wickets for just 29 runs inside the first eight overs. His aggressive batting approach aimed to turn the tide, and he reached the half-century in just 48 balls, demonstrating his ability to counter-attack on a challenging pitch while his teammates were struggling.

However, Pant’s innings came to an abrupt end on the first ball of the 22nd over when he tried to attack the wicket against Ajaz Patel. Initially, the on-field umpire did not rule him out, believing there was no contact between bat and ball.

But Patel and captain Tom Latham were confident Pant had taken the lead, leading to a tense moment when replays showed a spike on UltraEdge as the ball passed the bat. The uncertainty over whether the bat had also brushed against Pant’s pads made the decision particularly difficult.

Ultimately, the third umpire sided with the fielding team, and Pant returned to the pavilion visibly frustrated. He briefly disputed the decision with the on-field referee before expressing his disappointment in the dressing room. His quick innings of 64 runs off 57 balls, including nine fours and a six, had left India needing just 41 runs with three wickets to spare.

Despite the loss, Pant finished the three-match series as the top run-scorer, with 261 runs at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 89.38. His impressive performance included three half-centuries, with a highest score of 99.

With ANI inputs