Introduction: In a dramatic turn of events during an IPL 2025 match in Lucknow, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in strong support of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler Digvesh Rathi, lambasting team captain Rishabh Pant for what he perceives as a lack of support. The incident, involving an attempted run-out at the non-striker’s end against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has sparked heated debate over sportsmanship and leadership in cricket.
The Incident Unraveled: The controversy unfolded in the 17th over of RCB’s chase, with the team needing just 29 runs off 19 balls to secure victory. Digvesh Rathi, in a bid to turn the tide, paused before delivering the ball and swiftly removed the bails, catching RCB’s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma outside his crease at the non-striker’s end. Rathi appealed confidently, but replays showed that he had already crossed the popping crease in his delivery stride, rendering the run-out invalid under MCC rules. The third umpire, after meticulous review, flashed ‘not out’ on the giant screen, a decision Ashwin acknowledged as technically correct.
Ashwin’s Technical Analysis: Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected the incident with precision. ‘As an LSG owner, I’d want Jitesh Sharma’s wicket. If he steps out of the crease too early, he’s out. But let’s break it down—when Rathi landed his front foot, Jitesh was inside the crease. So, it wasn’t out. Umpire Michael Gough confirmed the appeal with Rathi, and the third umpire made the right call,’ Ashwin explained. He emphasized that, per MCC Law 38.3.1, a non-striker can only be run out before the bowler reaches the highest point of their delivery swing—a rule that was not breached here.
The Bone of Contention: While the decision itself was uncontroversial, what followed ignited Ashwin’s fury. LSG captain Rishabh Pant chose to withdraw the appeal and shared a warm embrace with Jitesh Sharma, a gesture widely praised by commentators as a hallmark of sportsmanship. Ashwin, however, saw it differently. ‘Commentators called it an amazing act of sportsmanship, but I say grow out of this narrative. Pant is a phenomenal cricketer—I’m a huge fan, and I can’t wait to see him dominate in the upcoming England series. But as Rathi’s captain, Pant crossed a line. In front of millions, he made his bowler feel small instead of backing him,’ Ashwin vented, highlighting the emotional impact on a young player like Rathi.
Leadership Under Scrutiny: Ashwin’s critique raises deeper questions about a captain’s role in high-pressure situations. Pant, who recently returned to form with a breathtaking century in domestic cricket and is tipped to lead India’s resurgence in Test matches, found himself at the receiving end of criticism for prioritizing optics over team morale. Ashwin’s poignant remark—’Imagine being Rathi’s father and seeing your son undermined by his own captain’—struck a chord with fans and analysts alike, sparking discussions on social media about whether Pant’s gesture was indeed misguided.
Conclusion: The IPL 2025 clash between LSG and RCB will be remembered not just for its thrilling finish but for the ethical dilemma it presented. While Rishabh Pant’s intent may have been to uphold the spirit of cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin’s passionate defense of Digvesh Rathi reminds us that a captain’s primary duty is to protect and empower their team. As the tournament progresses, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine balance between sportsmanship and leadership in the high-stakes world of cricket.