The IPL 2025 season has once again sparked fierce debate over cricket’s most contentious dismissal—the non-striker run-out, or ‘Mankad.’ This time, the spotlight fell on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant and his handling of a crucial appeal by young spinner Digvesh Rathi. Legendary off-spinner R Ashwin, a vocal advocate for the legitimacy of such run-outs, has publicly slammed Pant for what he calls the “humiliation” of Rathi after Pant withdrew the appeal, leaving the cricket world divided.
The Incident: What Happened on the Field?
During the high-stakes IPL 2025 clash between LSG and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Digvesh Rathi attempted to run out RCB’s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end. Jitesh was backing up too far, and Rathi whipped off the bails, appealing for the dismissal.
The umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, who eventually ruled Jitesh not out, as Rathi had completed his delivery stride before attempting the run-out—making the dismissal invalid under current laws. However, as the drama unfolded, Pant stepped in and withdrew the appeal, a gesture that drew praise from commentators for its sportsmanship but was met with stinging criticism from Ashwin.
Ashwin’s Blistering Critique: ‘A Captain’s Job Is to Back the Player’
R Ashwin, who himself has been at the center of similar controversies, did not mince words. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected the incident and expressed strong disapproval of Pant’s actions.
Captain’s Responsibility: Ashwin stressed that a captain’s primary job is to support his players, not make them feel small in front of millions. He argued that Pant’s decision to withdraw the appeal sent a negative message to Rathi and other bowlers.
Humiliation for the Bowler: Ashwin described the situation as a “humiliation” for Rathi, saying it could scar a bowler for life and discourage others from attempting legitimate dismissals.
Public Scrutiny: He pointed out that bowlers are already under immense pressure and public scrutiny, and withdrawing an appeal only adds to their burden.
Technicalities Clarified: Ashwin also clarified that, technically, Jitesh was not out because Rathi had completed his delivery stride. However, he maintained that the real issue was how Pant handled the situation.
The Broader Debate: Sportsmanship vs. Law
While Pant’s gesture won him plaudits from some quarters for upholding the “spirit of cricket,” Ashwin and others argue that the law is clear—non-striker run-outs are fair play. The incident has reignited the debate over whether such dismissals should be stigmatized or normalized as part of the game.
Key Takeaways from the Controversy
- Pant withdrew the appeal after the umpire’s verdict, earning praise for sportsmanship but criticism for undermining his bowler.
- Ashwin slammed Pant for not backing Rathi, calling the move a humiliation for the young spinner.
- The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the “spirit of cricket” and the letter of the law.
- Bowlers remain under scrutiny for attempting legitimate dismissals, while batters are rarely criticized for leaving their crease early.
FAQs
1. What was the Mankad incident involving LSG and RCB in IPL 2025?
LSG bowler Digvesh Rathi attempted to run out RCB’s Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end, but the appeal was withdrawn by captain Rishabh Pant after the umpire ruled it not out.
2. Why did R Ashwin criticize Rishabh Pant?
Ashwin criticized Pant for withdrawing the appeal, arguing that it humiliated Rathi and undermined the bowler’s confidence in front of millions of viewers.
3. Was Jitesh Sharma actually out?
No, Jitesh Sharma was ruled not out because Digvesh Rathi had completed his delivery stride before attempting the run-out, making the dismissal invalid under current laws.
4. What is Ashwin’s stance on non-striker run-outs?
Ashwin is a strong advocate for the legitimacy of non-striker run-outs and believes they should be normalized rather than stigmatized.
5. How did commentators and fans react to Pant’s decision?
While some praised Pant for sportsmanship, others, including Ashwin, criticized him for not supporting his bowler and potentially discouraging future attempts at such dismissals.
Conclusion
The Rishabh Pant-Digvesh Rathi Mankad incident in IPL 2025 has once again exposed the fault lines in cricket’s approach to non-striker run-outs. While some celebrate sportsmanship and fair play, others, like R Ashwin, argue that bowlers deserve respect and support when they play within the rules. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: cricket’s “spirit” remains as contested as ever, and the role of a captain in backing his players has never been more important.