Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his displeasure over Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw Digvesh Rathi’s appeal for a run-out at the non-striker’s end during the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)‘s final league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025. Ashwin, who has long been an advocate for running out batters who leave the crease early, felt that Pant’s actions were unfair to Rathi.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “Digvesh Rathi is not my relative, not my friend, but what happened there… you’ll scar a bowler so much that it will really affect him.” He continued, “But because nobody cares about the bowler, should we withdraw his appeal and insult him in front of crores of people?”
The incident unfolded in the 17th over of RCB’s chase when Rathi had removed the bails after Jitesh Sharma had stepped out of the crease at the non-striker’s end. Despite the replay showing that Jitesh was outside the crease, the TV umpire ruled the batter not out, as the bowler had completed his delivery stride before the run-out attempt. Amidst all this, Pant made the decision to withdraw the appeal, and Jitesh Sharma received a hug from the RCB player in response.
Ashwin, who has always supported run-outs at the non-striker’s end, pointed out the technicalities of the situation: “Is Jitesh Sharma justified in being out if he stepped out before Rathi completed his delivery stride? Yes. And the bowler is justified.”
He added that Pant, as a captain, should have supported his bowler’s decision. “What happened during the match was that commentators called Pant’s move ‘sportsmanship.’ But come on, let’s grow out of this,” Ashwin said, emphasizing that a captain’s role is to back their players. He argued that Pant’s actions made Rathi feel small in front of millions, which could have long-term effects on the bowler’s confidence.
Ashwin further stated, “Imagine if Digvesh Rathi was your son. What would you feel if his captain publicly criticized him in front of millions? A captain’s job is to back his players and protect them, not humiliate them.”
The Indian spinner went on to explain that Rathi could be discouraged from attempting a run-out at the non-striker’s end again, fearing public criticism. “What happens is a bowler feels so small that he will never do it again,” Ashwin said. “Why shouldn’t he do it? Why does a bowler look small in these situations?”
Ashwin’s comments shed light on the emotional toll such decisions can have on players, particularly on young bowlers, and he urged people to stop vilifying players who make these decisions.
