India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant seemed destined to lead the team to a consolation win in the third and final Test against New Zealand. After the hosts suffered another first-class collapse, losing 5 batters for just 29 runs, Pant counterattacked brilliantly, scoring 64 runs off 57 balls in the 147-run chase. However, Pant had to march back to the pavilion after a controversial dismissal against Ajaz Patel that left the social media world abuzz.

New Zealand called for a catch by the wicket-keeper but the umpire remained unmoved, despite strong appeals from Ajaz and the near-fielders. New Zealand captain Tom Latham remained unconvinced by Patel and made him review the decision.

Upon examination, it was discovered that a spike was observed on the Snicko meter as the ball passed the bat. At the same time, however, Pant's bat had also hit his pads. Despite the dilemma, the third umpire decided to make the decision in New Zealand's favor.

The distraction is very clear here. There is no controversy here.

When the club is already resting on the base, the tip cannot be seen. The impact results in a spike. Anyway, clear distraction here.

Great referee under pressure #INDvsNZ #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/DKhHzgmfsY

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 3, 2024

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers was furious at the decision and pointed out the “gray area” of DRS technology while questioning why Hotspot was not part of the system.

“Controversy! Once again a little gray area. Did Pant get hit or not? The problem is that when the ball passes the bat at the exact same time a hitter hits his pad, the Snicko picks up the noise. But how sure are we that he scored. “I've always worried about this and here it's happening in a big moment in a big Test match?!” De Villiers posted on X.

Controversy! Once again a little gray area. Did Pant understand that or not? The problem is that the ball passes the bat at the exact same time a hitter touches his pad, and Snicko picks up the noise. But how sure are we that he made it? I've always worried about this and here it suddenly happens…

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 3, 2024

Disappointed by the third umpire's call, Pant even had a brief chat with the one-field umpire before making the difficult and slow trek back to the dressing room.