'How sure are we Rishabh Pant hit it?' - AB de Villiers highlights 'grey area' after 'controversial' DRS decision

IND vs NZ: AB de Villiers highlights 'grey area' after 'controversial' DRS decision in 3rd Test

If watching New Zealand rock the Indian top-order was not heartbreaking enough, a "controversial" DRS decision involving Rishabh Pant in the third India vs New Zealand Test in Mumbai surely was. The southpaw, who has been one of India's shining star in the red-ball format, was outdone by Ajaz Patel, who scalped a total of 11 wickets in both innings combined. Pant was batting brilliantly despite wickets tumbling at the other end and had kept India alive in the 147 chase at a track aiding the spinners.

However, Pant's herculean effort was brought to a close by the spinner in the 22nd over when he was batting on 64. The incident took place in the fourth ball of the over as Pant danced down the track and tried to defend it. However, the ball after hitting the pads of Pant ballooned up before being collected by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Soon after completing the catch the Black Caps appealed in unison for a caught-behind but the on-field umpire showed no interest.

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New Zealand were a bit hesitant to take the review, having already lost one in the same over against Pant, but they chose to take the risk given how big the wicket was. The risk paid off as UltraEdge confirmed a spike as the ball went past the bat, but Pant was still not convinced and was seen chatting with the umpires. The batter probably claimed that it was the bat hitting the pad and the ball had nothing to do with it, but the TV umpire asked the on-field umpire to reverse his decision to out.

Very clear the deflection here. There's no controversy here.When bat is resting on the pad already, it's not going to show the spike. Impact causes spike. Anyway, clear deflection here.Terrific umpiring under pressure #INDvsNZ #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/DKhHzgmfsY
Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 3, 2024

Pant was left completely dejected with the decision and slowly walked back to the pavilion, leaving India reeling at 106/7, still 41 runs behind the target. This was a huge moment in the match as Pant certainly was a deciding factor between win or defeat.

Soon after the incident, social media was filled with cries of foul play, which also saw former South Africa cricketer AB di Villers joining the debate. "Controversy! Little grey area once again. Did Pant get bat on that or not? Problem is when the ball passes the bat at exactly the same time a batter hits his pad snicko will pick up the noise. But how sure are we he hit it? I’ve always worried about this and here it happens at a huge moment in a big Test match. Where’s hotspot?!" - wrote De Villiers in a post shared on X.

Questioning the call made by the TV umpire, De Villiers then pointed that even if there was a bit of doubt, the third umpire should have stuck with the on-field call. "Fact is there must’ve been doubt. Surely you stay with on-field call then? Unless the 3rd Ump clearly saw a deviation? I’m not so sure. And don’t get me wrong, I have no bias here, just pushing for consistent calls and good use of tech," De Villiers added.

Fact is there mustve been doubt. Surely you stay with on-field call then? Unless the 3rd Ump clearly saw a deviation? Im not so sure.And dont get me wrong, I have no bias here, just pushing for consistent calls and good use of tech. AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 3, 2024

The South Africa legend also congratulated New Zealand on an "incredible" Test series win against India at their home. "Absolutely incredible Test series victory! Congrats NZ," was the final post by the ex-cricketer.

New Zealand won the third Test by 25 runs in Mumbai and earlier had defeated India by eight wickets in Bengaluru and 113 runs in Pune. This was also the first time India were whitewashed at home in a series featuring three or more Tests.