Jitesh Sharma Run Out Controversy Explained Ravichandran Ashwin Backs LSG’s Digvesh Rathi

The recent IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants sparked fresh debate over a controversial run out involving Jitesh Sharma and Digvesh Rathi. On the last ball of the 17th over, LSG spinner Digvesh attempted a run out at the non-striker’s end against RCB’s Jitesh. The third umpire ruled it not out, following Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, but what stood out was LSG captain Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw the appeal, sparking discussions on sportsmanship and cricket rules.

Ashwin’s Take on the Incident and Rules

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin offered a detailed and thoughtful perspective on the incident via his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’. Ashwin explained that technically, if Jitesh Sharma stepped out of the crease before Digvesh Rathi began his delivery stride, he should have been out. However, in the real scenario, Rathi’s front foot landed before Jitesh had left the crease, meaning the run out was correctly ruled not out.

Ashwin stressed that the umpire’s question to Rathi was about whether he was appealing, not whether he was certain of the dismissal. Since Rathi affirmed the appeal, the third umpire’s not out decision was accurate and by the book.

Criticism of Pant’s Withdrawal of Appeal

Ashwin was critical of Pant’s intervention to withdraw the appeal, stating it was within the rules and should not have been withdrawn. He urged fans and commentators to move past praising Pant’s “sportsmanship” in this case, pointing out that it unintentionally undermined the bowler Digvesh Rathi.

“Stop this vilification of the youngster in front of crores of people,” Ashwin said, highlighting the responsibility of captains to back their bowlers publicly rather than making them feel small. He warned that such treatment could discourage bowlers from attempting similar dismissals in the future.

Ashwin’s Personal Experience

Ashwin also shared that he had faced similar criticism in IPL 2019 when he ran out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end while bowling for Kings XI Punjab. His insight adds credibility to his defense of Digvesh and reinforces the importance of supporting teammates in such situations.

This incident highlights how cricket’s laws and spirit sometimes intersect in complex ways, and Cricket Army fans can appreciate the nuances that seasoned players like Ashwin bring to these debates.