The IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) turned into more than just a high-scoring thriller it became the center of a heated debate on the ‘spirit of cricket’, triggered by Digvesh Rathi’s Run-Out Attempt on Jitesh Sharma. The incident occurred in the 17th over of RCB’s innings during a run-chase of 228 runs, where Jitesh Sharma, the stand-in captain for RCB, played a heroic knock. However, it was this controversial moment involving LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi that stole headlines and brought veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle into the spotlight.
Digvesh Rathi’s Run-Out Attempt on Jitesh Sharma: Jitesh Sharma’s Heroics Overshadowed by Controversy
Jitesh Sharma played one of the finest knocks of IPL 2025, smashing 85 runs off just 33 deliveries to help RCB successfully chase down a mammoth target of 228 with eight balls remaining a performance made even more dramatic by Digvesh Rathi’s run-out attempt on Jitesh Sharma, which reignited the spirit of cricket debate.
But things could have turned out very differently had a run-out attempt in the 17th over succeeded. LSG’s young spinner Digvesh Rathi spotted Jitesh backing up slightly at the non-striker’s end and attempted a run-out before delivering the ball. The appeal was immediately made, catching everyone’s attention.
However, LSG captain Rishabh Pant made a sporting call and decided to withdraw the appeal, allowing Jitesh to continue. The on-field umpire had also deemed Jitesh not out, but Pant’s gesture was viewed as upholding the ‘spirit of cricket’. The match continued with RCB going on to win, but the incident sparked a heated discussion on social media and among cricket experts.
Harsha Bhogle Reacts Strongly
Not everyone praised the decision. Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment not with the appeal or withdrawal—but with how the term ‘spirit of cricket’ was once again being misused.
“I have no problem with the umpire turning down the appeal if he thinks the non-striker was inside the crease when the bowler’s arm had crossed the point where he is expected to release the ball. I am disappointed when the spirit of the game is invoked. You play by the laws,” Bhogle posted.
Bhogle’s statement reflects a growing viewpoint in modern cricket: that all forms of dismissal mentioned in the laws should be accepted without question. According to him, invoking the ‘spirit of cricket’ every time such a dismissal is attempted undermines the clarity of the game’s rules.
Laws vs Spirit: An Ongoing Debate
According to the official laws of cricket, a non-striker can be run out if they leave their crease before the bowler releases the ball. This is a legitimate mode of dismissal and has gained increased acceptance in recent years. Yet, whenever such a situation arises, it often divides opinion—between those who believe it’s a necessary part of modern tactics, and those who view it as unsportsmanlike.
Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw the appeal was met with applause, but also criticism from those who felt it was unnecessary. Supporters say it’s a mark of sportsmanship; critics argue that it weakens the authority of the rulebook.
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