IPL 2025: R Ashwin criticizes Rishabh Pant for taking back Digvesh Rathi’s mankad appeal in LSG vs RCB Match
Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw a mankad appeal during the LSG vs RCB match has sparked a strong response from Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes the move was unfair to the bowler, Digvesh Rathi.
Tense finish sees controversial moment in Lucknow
The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru came down to the last overs, with emotions running high. Digvesh Rathi saw an opportunity and dismissed RCB’s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end during a critical period. Following a review, the third umpire ruled it out, leaving Jitesh astonished.
But what followed surprised everyone, LSG captain Rishabh Pant stepped in and chose to cancel the appeal. Jitesh, relieved, hugged Pant and later anchored his team to victory with an unbeaten 85-run knock.
Ashwin says Pant’s call could damage Rathi’s confidence
Reacting on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back. He called Pant’s gesture a blow to the bowler’s self-worth and said such actions discourage bowlers from using legitimate dismissals in the future.
“It’s demoralizing. A bowler feels so small in that moment, he might never try that again. And then people online will say it shouldn’t be done, but why not? I don’t know Digvesh Rathi personally, but doing this to any bowler can seriously affect their mindset.”
Ashwin: ‘Withdrawing an appeal in front of millions sends the wrong message’
Ashwin further pointed out that the withdrawal served no real purpose, especially after the umpire had already ruled the batter out. According to him, the move only added to public embarrassment for Rathi.
“Because bowlers are often ignored, people don’t think twice before reversing decisions like this in front of millions. Let’s be clear, the umpire followed the rulebook and declared it out. Once that’s done, what’s the point of pulling back the appeal?”
Ashwin has always defended the mankad rule
This isn’t the first time Ashwin has stood up for the bowler’s right to mankad. Back in an earlier IPL season, he had dismissed Jos Buttler in a similar manner and has consistently argued that it’s a legitimate part of the game that shouldn’t be stigmatized.
ALSO READ: PBKS vs RCB: If It Rains In Qualifier 1, Which Team Will Reach The IPL Final?
