Hello everyone! How are you all? I hope you’re doing well. So, it’s lunch on the second day of the India vs. New Zealand match, and what remarkable, blasting innings Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have played. Unfortunately, Rishabh Pant was unlucky to fall victim to an “umpire’s call” decision and got out. However, Shubman Gill is still at the crease.
Rishabh Pant’s Explosive Innings and Unfortunate Dismissal
In all the years I’ve followed cricket, the “umpire’s call” rule is the most unfair and biased one I’ve seen against batters. Rishabh Pant, yet again, was unlucky today because of it. Earlier, he was dismissed on 99, and today, while playing brilliantly, he scored 60 runs off 59 balls, with a strike rate of 101 and eight boundaries, before being given out due to the “umpire’s call” decision.
Argument Around the “Umpire’s Call” Decision
It’s frustrating because it seems like the umpires give more thought when a New Zealand batter is dismissed, but when it’s an Indian player, the finger goes up instantly, as if they’re just waiting to give an out decision. If I could change any rule in cricket, I would remove this “umpire’s call.”
Just look at how Pant got out today; it was such an awkward dismissal. We could see it clearly, but apparently, the umpire couldn’t. Such decisions need more thought, not an instant reaction.
Rishabh Pant’s Impact and India’s Comeback
Despite this, hats off to Rishabh Pant. Whenever the Indian team is in trouble, he comes in and pulls them out. When India was 86/4, he stepped up, hitting two boundaries in two balls and scoring three boundaries in the first over, putting New Zealand under pressure.
He played outstandingly well against New Zealand’s bowlers, whether it was Ajaz Pate bowler, Tim Southee, or Glenn Phillips.
Shubman Gill’s Steady Knock and India’s Position
Rishabh Pant had all of them on the ropes today. If he had stayed on longer, India could have posted a big total. The India national cricket team has 195-runs, and the New Zealand national cricket team has a lead of 40-runs, with Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. If these two batters of India’s national cricket team continue in the next session, they could help India’s national cricket team vacuum out the lead and even secure a 100-run lead.
The India team players have made a brilliant comeback in this match, thanks to Rishabh Pant’s counter-attack, which put India in the driving seat. Shubman Gill is also batting wonderfully, with 70-runs on 106-balls with four boundaries. New Zealand’s fielders have also dropped easy catches.
The lucky time of India Team, which could give Gill a chance to capitalize and give India at least a 150-run lead.
The Road Ahead for India in This Match
If India can gain a 100-plus lead, there’s a good chance they could win this match and keep their position.
Pant’s Fearless Approach: A True Asset for India
Rishabh Pant has once again shown his bravery. He doesn’t worry about getting out. His only goal is to attack, put pressure on the opposition, and relieve his team from the pressure. And he did exactly that today. Now, with the lunch break underway, let’s see how many more runs India can score.
If they don’t collapse like they have been recently, they could achieve a 150-run lead, as there are still four capable batters to contribute. The pitch isn’t too difficult to bat on, with only a bit of help from spinners, so India is currently in the driver’s seat.
What’s Your Take on the “Umpire’s Call” Rule?
I feel for Rishabh Pant; he was batting so well, but he often falls victim to umpire calls or unfortunate runouts. He truly deserved a century today. What’s your opinion? Let me know in the comments.