The Indian team’s body language on Day 4 came under sharp scrutiny, with commentators repeatedly comparing their approach to that of a routine domestic match—passive, flat, and waiting for things to unfold on their own. This criticism intensified when a glaring opportunity went begging behind the stumps.
The moment arrived in the 34th over of South Africa’s innings, with Washington Sundar operating from around the wicket. Trystan Stubbs, batting on just seven, stepped out to drive a full delivery angled towards his off stump.
The ball, however, zipped through the narrow gap between bat and pad, beating the batter completely. It should have been a straightforward take for Rishabh Pant, who had enough time to complete a regulation stumping.
But Pant failed to gather the ball cleanly. Instead, it struck his shoulder and deflected away, giving Stubbs a lifeline at a crucial stage of the innings. The Indian wicketkeeper looked visibly frustrated with himself as the chance slipped away.
Rishabh Pant Missed An Easy Stumping Of Tristan Stubbs 😭pic.twitter.com/RIgkWDuSR5
— 𝐀•ᴷᴸ ᴿᵃʰᵘˡ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@123Centurion__) November 25, 2025
For a team already under pressure, the miss only amplified concerns about lapses in sharpness and concentration on a pivotal day of the Test match. With the pitch offering turn and variable bounce, opportunities like these were expected to play a major role.
As the game progressed, that missed stumping stood out as yet another instance of India letting South Africa off the hook—an issue that has become a recurring theme in this Test.