Unseen footage of a dejected Rishabh Pant after his controversial dismissal has left fans heartbroken. Watch

When Team India's batting order faltered against New Zealand's spin attack at Wankhede, Rishabh Pant completely took the team's hopes of a consolation win on his shoulders. The wicketkeeper batsman's fighting half-century gave Rohit Sharma and his team hope of achieving something in the series, before his controversial dismissal left everyone stunned. After New Zealand opted to use DRS by challenging the on-field umpire's decision, the final decision went in favor of the touring team.

Pant also argued his case with the on-field umpire and suggested that the sound of the ultra-edge catch might have come from his bat hitting the pad. But, the wicketkeeper batsman had no other option but to go back to the dugout of the Indian team.

While this decision continues to be debated on social media, a video of Pant returning home has surfaced, which has broken the hearts of fans once again.

How difficult it must have been to get to the pavilion and it shows. pic.twitter.com/zOzKLKtV43

-Saurabh (@1hand6) 3 November 2024

After India's 0-3 series loss, Pant posted an Instagram story in which he wrote, “Life is a series of seasons. When you're down, remember that growth happens in cycles. Embrace the downs.” Put it on, knowing they're preparing you for it.” Heights.”

During India's chase of 147 in the fourth innings on the third day, Pant emerged as the team's standout performer. Despite their valiant effort, India missed the series finale by 25 runs. Pant entered the field at a time when the team was in a very poor condition and had lost five wickets for just 29 runs within the first eight overs. His aggressive batting approach was aimed at turning the situation around, and he reached his half-century in just 48 balls, demonstrating his ability to counterattack on a challenging pitch while his teammates struggled.

However, Pant's innings ended suddenly on the first ball of the 22nd over when he attempted to charge down the wicket against Ajaz Patel. Initially, the on-field umpire ruled him not out, believing that there was no contact between bat and ball.

But Patel and captain Tom Latham were confident that Pant had edged it, leading to a tense moment as replays indicated a spike at ultra-edge as the ball passed the bat. The ambiguity about whether the bat had also hit Pant's pad made the decision particularly difficult.

In the end, the third umpire favored the fielding team and Pant returned to the pavilion disappointed. He briefly protested the decision with the on-field umpire before expressing his disappointment in the dressing room. His quickfire innings of 64 runs off 57 balls, which included nine fours and a six, left India needing only 41 runs with three wickets remaining.

Despite the defeat, 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