Following the defeat in the third Test, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his disbelief and concern during the press conference over Rishabh Pant’s controversial dismissal that led to India’s defeat.

Rishabh Pant was removed after New Zealand opted for a review, despite the Indian goalkeeper insisting to the umpires that he did not make contact with the ball. However, the third umpire decided to overturn the original no out decision. After Pant’s dismissal, India collapsed and were bowled out for 121 and lost the match by 25 runs.

Also Read: First whitewash at home: Rohit Sharma and India come under fire after horrible batting display led to series whitewash

In the press conference, Rohit spoke about Rishabh Pant’s ground. He said if there was no clear evidence that Pant touched the ball, then the decision should have been in Pant’s favour. Rohit mentioned that the umpires should think about their decision and everyone should follow the same rules instead of changing their mind all the time.

“About that dismissal, honestly, I don’t know. If we say something, it is not well accepted. But if there is no conclusive evidence, it has to disappear, it has to abide by the referee’s decision on the field. That’s what they told me. So, I don’t know how that decision was overturned as the umpire didn’t give it away,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

“You know, the bat was clearly close to the platform. So, again, I don’t know if it’s the right thing for me to talk about. It’s something for referees to think about. Have the same rules for all teams, don’t keep changing your mind. But again, that dismissal was actually very, very crucial from our point of view. Rishabh really looked good at that time and I felt he would help us get through it. But it was an unfortunate dismissal, we left and then they fired us immediately,” he added.

Had Pant not been out, India could have won the match as he was the only player to keep the team in the contest.

India’s defeat against New Zealand puts qualification for the WTC final at risk

After their defeat in the third Test, India lost the series 3–0, marking the first time they were whitewashed at home in a Test series consisting of three or more matches. This series ranks among India’s worst Test performances at home.

Furthermore, this defeat has diminished India’s chances of qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship. To secure a place in the final, they must win four out of five Test matches in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22.

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