In a dramatic turn on Day 3 of the second Test between India and New Zealand, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant found himself run out for a duck after a costly miscommunication with Virat Kohli. Chasing a challenging target of 359 to level the series, the incident occurred in the 23rd over when Ajaz Patel delivered a good-length ball to Kohli, who nudged it toward short third man and looked over at Pant, stationed at the non-striker’s end.
Both players hesitated but ultimately committed to the risky single. However, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner quickly reacted, firing a precise throw to Tom Blundell at the keeper’s end, and a diving Pant was unable to make it back to the crease in time. The third umpire confirmed Pant was short of his ground, marking a pivotal moment as India dropped to 127/5.
WATCH – Ben Stokes’ Unexpected Brain Fade Moment Ends In Crucial LBW Dismissal Against Pakistan
Social media buzzed with debate, with fans divided over who was responsible; some felt Pant should have held back, while others argued Kohli’s call was premature.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 26, 2024
Before some clowns run the agenda , it was pant call and no one of both is to be blamed. pic.twitter.com/TOICvTzlBM
— Parv 🧋| #RetainParv (@arrestagarkar) October 26, 2024
Shortly after Pant’s exit, Kohli himself fell for just 20, trapped LBW by Santner, which further tightened New Zealand’s grip on the game. The day had begun with India needing breakthroughs after the Black Caps resumed at 198/5. Despite a turning Pune pitch, India’s bowlers, particularly spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, delivered an impressive performance.
The pair claimed seven wickets between them, with Jadeja bagging three crucial wickets early in the day, starting with Tom Blundell, who added just 11 to his overnight 30 before Jadeja bowled him out.
WATCH – MS Dhoni’s Hilarious Response To The “Thala for a Reason” Meme Trend
Glenn Phillips offered some resistance for New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 48 with a calculated mix of boundaries. New Zealand’s innings eventually closed at 255, with a final run-out that left Phillips stranded. This set India a daunting fourth-inning target, though they remained hopeful, given their successful history chasing 387 at home against England in 2008. New Zealand, however, still hold a 1-0 series lead and continue their quest for their first-ever Test series win in India, with the odds now in their favor as India scrambles to salvage the game.
