Here's what I visualize:
holyrune wroteThe opposing player has his dribble alive.
So, the dribble has started.
He then regains his balance by touching the ball on the floor with both hands firmly grasped on the ball, without bouncing it.
Sounds to me like the dribble ended, as he held the ball.
I ask because he was called for a double dribble by the referee after driving to the basket.
So, he started another dribble. Violation.
FYI, you mentioned a pivot foot during a dribble. If one is dribbling, there is no
pivot foot until the dribble has ended.