Ravichandran Ashwin accuses Rishabh Pant of cheating with LSG vs RCB at Digvesh Rathi's run-out attempt

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi tried to run out Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end during the IPL 2025 match. Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about the controversial incident and blamed LSG skipper Rishabh Pant for withdrawing the appeal.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 29 runs from 19 balls while chasing 228 in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 27. Digvesh Rathi stopped midway through his bowling action and attempted to dismiss Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end. Third umpire Ulhas Gandhe ruled the RCB stand-in skipper not out.

It Is Actually a Humiliation - Ravichandran Ashwin on Rishabh Pant Withdrawing Appeal

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin criticized Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw the Mankad appeal. Ashwin said that it could discourage Digvesh Rathi from attempting it again, despite it being within the rules.

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"It [Rishabh Pant withdrawing the Mankad appeal] is actually a humiliation [for Digvesh Rathi]. A bowler feels so small, he will never do this again. But why shouldn’t he do it again? It is actually not about the rule. The batsman taking an extra step gives him an opportunity to finish a two," Ashwin said.

Rishabh Pant chose to withdraw the appeal, leading to a sporting moment where Jitesh hugged him in appreciation. While many believed Jitesh was spared due to Pant’s gesture, the laws of the game stated he would have been not out. RCB eventually won the match by six wickets.

There Was No Need to Withdraw the Appeal - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin stated that the third umpire had already ruled the batter not out as per the laws of the game. Ashwin stated that there was no need to withdraw the appeal.

"The point is whether the captain wants to withdraw the appeal or not. Let's talk about cricket for a second. According to the laws of the game, it went upstairs, the umpire said not out and it is not out. There is no need to withdraw in this," Ashwin further added.

Jitesh Sharma Was Still Inside the Crease - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin stated that Jitesh Sharma stayed inside his crease when Digvesh Rathi’s front foot landed, adding that the decision to rule Jitesh not out was correct according to the rules.

"Let me dive into the technicalities of this incident. Was Jitesh Sharma justified in being given out? If he had stepped out of the crease before the bowler entered the delivery stride - yes, he would have been out, and the bowler would have been fully justified," Ashwin stated.

"Is that bad from the perspective of RCB or their fans? Absolutely. RCB fans wouldn’t have liked Digvesh Rathi or Rishabh Pant if they had gone through with it. Now, let’s consider what actually happened. Digvesh Rathi’s front foot had landed, and Jitesh Sharma was still inside the crease. So, based on all technical aspects, this was not out."

Also read: "When Virat Kohli scores 50 in a run chase…" - Harsha Bhogle's sensational take after LSG vs RCB match