IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant takes back Mankad appeal by Digvesh Rathi vs RCB

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In a moment that surprised fans at the Ekana Stadium during the IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rishabh Pant displayed true sportsmanship by withdrawing LSG's appeal after Digvesh Rathi attempted to run out RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker's end, a dismissal commonly referred to as a "Mankad."

Although Digvesh did break the stumps while Jitesh was out of his crease, it was Pant who chose to withdraw the appeal just in time, before the third umpire could confirm the dismissal. Witnessing this act of sportsmanship, Jitesh Sharma walked over and hugged Pant to express his gratitude for the gesture.  How the controversy unfolded?

A moment of controversy unfolded during the 17th over of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) pursuit of a 228-run target against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. Spinner Digvesh Rathi dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end while batter Jitesh Sharma was out of his crease.

 

Third-umpire decision or Pant's sportsman spirit 

Following the incident, the on-field umpire consulted Rathi on whether he intended to appeal. Upon receiving confirmation, the matter was referred to the third umpire. However, Jitesh was adjudged not out by the TV umpire. But it was not clear whether he interpreted the ICC rules on 'Mankading', which is now known as runout, or the on-field umpires communicated with the third umpire over Pant's decision to withdraw the appeal. All in all, the sportsman spirit of the game was withheld, which would certainly help Rishabh Pant's team to earn some fairplay points in their final league game of IPL 2025. 

What the IPL playing conditions say on 'Mankading'?

  According to clause 38.3.1 of the IPL's playing conditions, a non-striker can be run out if they are out of their ground any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the bowler is expected to release it. The dismissal is valid if the bowler breaks the stumps either by hand (holding the ball) or by throwing the ball at the wicket—regardless of whether the ball is eventually delivered. In Jitesh’s case, the ruling went in his favour as the bowler was deemed to have completed his stride before effecting the run-out attempt.