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Rishabh Pant's Sportsmanship Stuns Rathi As He Withdraws Mankad Appeal Vs Jitesh

Akshita Patel

Mankad drama unfolds in IPL 2025 [Source: @Cric_Freak01, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Mankad drama unfolds in IPL 2025 [Source: @Cric_Freak01, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

In a heartwarming moment of true sportsmanship, LSG captain Rishabh Pant stole the show after he withdrew a Mankad appeal against RCB stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma. Digvesh Rathi ran Jitesh out on the non-striker's end, but Pant stepped in at the right time to save the damage.

In a high-intensity clash of IPL 2025, LSG challenged RCB by setting a mammoth target of 228 runs. However, Bengaluru responded aggressively in the second inning. 

Virat Kohli led the charge with a fiery fifty, followed by a match-winning partnership between Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. However, drama unfolded in the 17th over when Digvesh Rathi pulled off a tricky move.

Digvesh Rathi’s Mankad Appeal Withdrawn By Rishabh Pant

It all happened when Digvesh Rathi, bowling the 17th over for LSG, stopped mid-delivery and ran out RCB's stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end, a dismissal widely known as a ‘Mankad.’

The drama during RCB vs LSG (Source: @OneCricketApp/X)The drama during RCB vs LSG (Source: @OneCricketApp/X)

Sharma was taking the game away with an electrifying knock, and Rathi had no other way to stop his onslaught. Hence, he pulled off a mind trick and went ahead with the appeal, clearly believing he had a legitimate wicket. However, his skipper, Rishabh Pant, wasn’t on board with the plan.

Replays on the big screen confirmed that Jitesh was, indeed, outside the crease when the stumps were broken. His bat was still in the air, and by the rulebook, he was out. However, just as the stadium buzzed with anticipation of a controversial dismissal, a twist followed, the big screen flashed “NOT OUT.”

In a surprising and noble move, Rishabh Pant withdrew the appeal. Even as Rathi insisted on following through, Pant shook his head and pointed to the umpire, opting for game spirit over a strategic benefit.

What unfolded was a beautiful moment of sportsmanship. A relieved Jitesh approached Pant and hugged him, accepting the gesture with appreciation and respect. Fans in the stadium erupted in very loud applause for Pant's sporting behaviour, which presumed fairness.

Eventually, Jitesh Sharma stunned everyone with a magnificent 85* off 33 balls, which came with 8 fours and 6 sixes to lead the RCB to a remarkable victory. Mayank Agarwal contributed with 41 off 23 balls and took RCB to a winning chase in 18.4 overs.

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