Ajaz Patel Hails Rishabh Pant’s Wicket as Key Turning Point in Mumbai Test
"In terms of the Mumbai game, in those types of games, you have to believe regardless of whoever is in front of you," Patel said. "Obviously, when Rishabh Pant was batting, there was a chance that he could have taken the game away from us...
New Zealand’s spin wizard Ajaz Patel believes that the pivotal moment in the third Test match against India in Mumbai came when he dismissed Rishabh Pant. The dismissal, Patel stated, was crucial in turning the game in New Zealand’s favor and helping them secure a historic 3-0 series whitewash—the first-ever by any visiting side in India in a three-match Test series or more.
Patel, who claimed a match-winning 11 wickets in the Mumbai Test, took a total of 15 wickets in the series at an impressive average of 23.80. Reflecting on his team’s victory, Patel revealed that New Zealand’s belief grew stronger after they managed to dismiss key Indian players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The team was confident that the runs they posted on the board would be enough to secure the win.
However, Patel highlighted Pant’s 64-run knock in India’s second innings as a major threat. The wicketkeeper-batter was in explosive form, keeping India’s hopes alive in the chase of a 147-run target. Patel noted that Pant’s ability to take the game away from New Zealand was evident, and his dismissal was a crucial turning point.
"In terms of the Mumbai game, in those types of games, you have to believe regardless of whoever is in front of you," Patel said. "Obviously, when Rishabh Pant was batting, there was a chance that he could have taken the game away from us... It is important to keep the same calmness and control what you can control."
Pant’s knock came at a rapid pace—64 runs off just 57 balls, with a strike rate of 112.28. His dismissal by Patel in the 22nd over left India reeling at 29/5, and despite a brief recovery effort from other batters, India was eventually bowled out for 121, handing New Zealand a 25-run victory.
Patel’s performance, supported by Glenn Phillips' timely wickets, and the overall team effort, helped New Zealand clinch the series 3-0. The Kiwis had earlier bowled India out for 174 in their first innings, with a five-wicket haul from Ravindra Jadeja and fine bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin. New Zealand’s first innings saw valuable contributions from Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, with Young’s half-century being a key highlight.
Despite Pant’s valiant effort, India’s chase faltered after his departure, and New Zealand’s spinners, led by Patel, sealed a memorable victory.
