Kohli, Gambhir in disbelief as Pant falls agonizingly short of ton against NZ

It was a heartbreaking moment for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as he fell agonizingly short of a well-compiled century in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Batting confidently on 99, Pant looked set for a 3-figure score but an inside edge onto the stumps off Willam O'Rourke's bowling ended his innings. The dismissal shocked everyone as Pant missed out on converting his gritty knock into a century.

The dressing room was left stunned by Pant's departure. Former India captain Virat Kohli and ex-opener Gautam Gambhir could not believe their eyes and looked dejected in the dugout. At the other end, KL Rahul expressed his disappointment by going down on his hunches in disbelief. It was a big wicket for the Kiwis as Pant had played a crucial knock to help India cement their position in the match.

Pant had added a invaluable 177-run stand with Sarfaraz Khan earlier in the day. The duo's heroics allowed India to erase New Zealand's lead after the visitors had posted a huge 402 in their first innings. Pant's wicket for 99 was a huge blow to India's chances of setting a big target on a crumbling surface. They would have hoped the swashbuckling left-hander to carry his bat through and take the score to a commanding total.

The Indian fans at the stadium were also left stunned with Pant missing out on what would have been his 3rd Test century. It was a bittersweet moment for the dasher who had played a stellar innings but fell short of mark by just one run. India will now hope that their lower-order can add some crucial runs and give their bowlers a decent target to defend on the final day.