Rishabh Pant got a lot of attention for deciding to pull back an appeal for a run-out at the non-striker’s end during the last league match of the 2025 IPL against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The run-out attempt was made by leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi against Jitesh Sharma, who stepped in as captain while Rajat Patidar was out. Pant chose not to go ahead with the appeal, which led to a touching moment between him and Jitesh.

While many praised Pant for this gesture, cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin wasn’t happy with his decision. He critiqued Pant for what he saw as humiliation for Rathi instead of standing by his bowler. Ashwin stressed that a captain’s job is to support his players and not to make them feel small. He mentioned that this situation shouldn’t have played out in front of millions and that it’s unfair to belittle a bowler like that.

He expressed concern that this incident could stick with Digvesh, who has already made a name for himself this season with his colorful celebrations and interactions on the field. Ashwin noted that a bowler may feel so embarrassed they’ll hesitate to go for similar outs in the future, even though it’s a valid part of the game.

The incident occurred during the 17th over of RCB’s innings after LSG scored 227 runs, thanks to Pant’s impressive century. Earlier in that over, Jitesh barely escaped getting out on 49, hitting a six off the next delivery to reach his first IPL fifty. If Pant had pushed ahead with the appeal, Jitesh would have been out since the bowler had already delivered before breaking the stumps.

Jitesh went on to score an unbeaten 85 runs off 33 balls, helping RCB win by six wickets and secure a top-two position in the league.