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"Disappointed With Spirit Of The Game": Bhogle Slams Jitesh Sharma Mankad Row

Akshita Patel

Harsha Bhogle on Jitesh Sharma's Mankad incident [Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com]Harsha Bhogle on Jitesh Sharma's Mankad incident [Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com]

RCB defeated LSG in the final league match of the IPL 2025 season following Jitesh Sharma's 85* off 33 balls innings that guided Bengaluru to a successful 228-run chase. However, a controversy during the 17th over involving Jitesh led to a fresh debate regarding the 'spirit of cricket'.

In the second inning, LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi attempted to run out Jitesh at the non-striker’s end before delivering the ball. This type of dismissal, often called a “Mankad,” is legal under the rules of cricket. 

However, it has often been debated in terms of whether it is in line with the ‘spirit’ of the game. In this case, the on-field umpire ruled Jitesh not out as LSG captain Rishabh Pant decided to withdraw the appeal.

Harsha Bhogle Miffed With Rishabh Pant’s Sportsmanship?

While Rishabh Pant earned fans’ praise for his sportsmanship, veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had a different view. 

He took to social media to share his thoughts, saying he had no problem with the umpire’s decision but was disappointed that people were bringing up the “spirit of the game” again.

He believes that if the rules allow a run-out at the non-striker's end, it should be treated like any other form of dismissal. Whether Jitesh was out or not is a separate issue, but Harsha stressed that emotions should not cloud clear rules.

Harsha Bhogle's tweet [Image Source: @bhogleharsha/X.com]Harsha Bhogle's tweet [Image Source: @bhogleharsha/X.com]

This incident once again shows how divided opinions can be when the spirit of cricket clashes with the laws of the game.

Jitesh Would Have Survived Rathi’s Mankad Attempt Without Pant’s Intervention

In a dramatic IPL 2025 clash between RCB and LSG, Jitesh Sharma survived a non-striker run-out attempt by Digvesh Rathi. Though LSG skipper Rishabh Pant withdrew the appeal, Jitesh would’ve been not out even if the third umpire had proceeded. 

As per MCC Law 38.3.1.2, a bowler cannot threaten a run out at the non-striker's end upon crossing the apex of their bowling action. Rathi had crossed that point, making the dismissal not valid. In spite of the nerves, Pant's sportsmanship was welcomed, and Jitesh scored a match-winning 85 off 33 balls, completing a historic chase for RCB.