Rishabh Pant’s dismissal for 99 in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium left the Indian dressing room in disbelief. After helping India gain a crucial lead, Pant fell just one run short of his 7th Test century, which would have put him past MS Dhoni’s record for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper.
As soon as Pant was bowled by William O’Rourke, emotions ran high in the Indian camp. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja, sitting in the dressing room, were visibly distraught, while Virat Kohli, just behind them, appeared shocked, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. At the non-striker’s end, KL Rahul sank to his haunches, feeling the heartbreak alongside Pant.
Despite the disappointment, the crowd rose to give Pant a standing ovation for his explosive innings, which included audacious shots against spinners Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra, as well as towering sixes off pacer William O’Rourke. Although Pant fell short of the century, his knock had a significant impact on the match, with the Indian team applauding his efforts even through the bitter moment of his dismissal.
