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**Pant’s Sportsmanship Questioned: Ashwin Criticizes Withdrawal of Run-Out Appeal in IPL Clash**

**MUMBAI, May 28, 2025 (21:10 IST) -** A moment of perceived sportsmanship by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has drawn criticism from veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The incident occurred during Tuesday’s tense Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when LSG bowler Digvesh Rathi seemingly caught RCB stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma out of his crease at the non-striker’s end during his delivery stride.

While the third umpire initially ruled Sharma not out due to Rathi completing his stride, Pant subsequently withdrew the appeal, leading to a hug between the two wicketkeeper-batters. RCB went on to win the match by six wickets.

Ashwin, a staunch advocate for the legitimacy of ‘Mankading’ (running out the non-striker), argued that Pant undermined his bowler and potentially damaged his confidence. In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that while the umpire’s decision was correct, Pant’s withdrawal of the appeal sent the wrong message.

“A captain’s job is actually to back a player,” Ashwin asserted, emphasizing that Pant’s actions could make Rathi feel “small” and humiliated in front of a massive audience. He voiced concern that such incidents could discourage bowlers from legitimately attempting similar dismissals in the future due to fear of ridicule.

Ashwin clarified that his criticism was not personally directed at Rathi but rather a defense of the bowler’s right to appeal and the importance of a captain supporting his players, even in controversial situations.

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