May 28, 2025: In a moment of high drama and even higher sportsmanship during the IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rishabh Pant won hearts by withdrawing a contentious run-out appeal against Jitesh Sharma, who later emerged as the match-winner for RCB.
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During the 17th over of RCB’s record 228-run chase, LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end in an attempt to run out Jitesh, who had momentarily left his crease. As the third umpire reviewed the footage, Pant stepped in and withdrew the appeal, prompting applause for his gesture of fair play. Jitesh, acknowledging the act, hugged Pant in a moment of camaraderie rarely seen in high-stakes cricket.
Despite being out of the crease, Jitesh would have survived under Law 38.3.1 of the MCC’s code, which states a bowler cannot run out a non-striker once their bowling action has reached the highest point. Rathi had overstepped this threshold, rendering the appeal invalid even if it had continued.
Pant’s quick decision earned widespread appreciation, especially considering the stakes. Jitesh Sharma went on to seal the win for RCB, anchoring the chase and guiding his team home with 8 balls to spare, marking one of the season’s most thrilling finishes.
While the scoreboard may credit Jitesh’s heroics, cricket fans and purists will remember Rishabh Pant’s classy withdrawal—a moment where the spirit of the game triumphed over competition.