Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stunned fans with a record chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 clash, winning by six wickets — thanks to a blistering 85 off just 33 balls by stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma. But the innings wasn’t without controversy.
In the 17th over, LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi attempted a non-striker run-out, catching Jitesh slightly out of his crease. Though the appeal was made, LSG captain Rishabh Pant chose to withdraw it, sparking fresh debates around the elusive “spirit of cricket.”
Pant was widely praised for his sportsmanship, with some calling it a noble act. However, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle offered a different take. “I am disappointed when the spirit of the game is invoked. You play by the laws,” Bhogle posted on X, adding that such dismissals are legal and shouldn’t be treated differently from others.
The controversy brought attention back to a recurring issue in cricket — whether rule-based dismissals should be judged on moral grounds. While Pant’s gesture won hearts, Bhogle’s comments struck a chord with purists who advocate playing strictly by the rulebook.
As RCB celebrates a memorable win, the focus off-field remains firmly on the fine line between sportsmanship and legality.
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