Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticized Rishabh Pant for withdrawing the appeal against Digvesh Rathi’s attempt to run out Jitesh at the non-striker’s end during the crucial LSG vs RCB match in Lucknow. The incident happened when Digvesh tried to dislodge the bails as Jitesh appeared to be out of his crease, but the third umpire ruled the dismissal invalid because Digvesh had already completed his delivery stride before attempting the run-out, which is against the laws of cricket.
Despite this, Pant chose to withdraw the appeal, a move that commentators praised as a display of sportsmanship by the LSG captain. However, Ashwin expressed strong disappointment with Pant’s decision during his show “Ash ki Baat.” He argued that a captain’s role is to support and back the bowler, not to make him feel belittled or humiliated, especially in front of millions of viewers.
Ashwin emphasized that the public vilification of bowlers in such situations must stop, saying, “A captain’s job is actually to back a player. A captain’s job is not to make a bowler feel small.” He expressed concern that withdrawing the appeal so publicly could scar Digvesh, making him hesitant to try such dismissals in the future.
He added, “Why should the bowler feel that he should never try this kind of run-out again? The batsman’s extra step is an opportunity for the bowler to take a wicket. It’s not just about the rule but about playing smart cricket.”
Ashwin stressed that this treatment of bowlers, who often don’t get the same respect as batsmen, is unfair and can be deeply discouraging. Despite not having any personal connection with Digvesh, Ashwin voiced his sympathy for the young spinner and condemned the public withdrawal of the appeal as insulting.
In the end, Jitesh’s innings of 85 off 33 balls helped RCB secure a win and finish in the top two, but the controversy over the appeal withdrawal sparked a broader conversation about captaincy, sportsmanship, and the support bowlers need on the field.
