Rishabh Pant's impressive cartwheel celebration after scoring his century against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 has created a stir on the internet. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain scored an unbeaten 118 runs off 61 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes, in a must-win match at Ekana Stadium on May 27, 2025. The spectacular backflip, the first he has done in a cricket context, represented his successful return to form and created a worldwide wave of excitement as fans, especially from Nigeria, began to perform their versions of the iconic backflip celebration.

Nigerian influencers, dressed in LSG jerseys, eagerly replicated Pant’s backflip, which represented his worldwide popularity. Clips of these excited fans, replicating the backflip celebration, began circulating all over the world, with many referring to Pant as a "Global Star". It was not just Pant’s quickfire century off 54 balls, the fastest by an LSG batsman, that quietened his critics, but he had now also reinforced his credentials as an entertainer by rallying thousands of fans in Nigeria, across the world, to wear LSG jerseys and celebrate his incredible backflip.

IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: PBKS vs MI Set for High-Stakes Clash at Narendra Modi Stadium

As the excitement builds, the focus shifts to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings will be hoping to bounce back after losing in Qualifier 1 and are backed by in-form players like Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh. The top-order firepower of PBKS could be a factor on what is sure to be a high-scoring pitch.

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Nigerians recreating Rishabh Pant's century celebration. ❤️🐐

- Global Star Rishabh Pant 🌟 pic.twitter.com/NlubSamEGF

— RP17 Gang™ (@RP17Gang) May 31, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Qualifier 2 - A Head to Head breakdown

The Mumbai Indians, who had star power including the big-hit players Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, came into this contest with confidence after defeating the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator match. The winner of this Qualifier 2 match will earn a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while the losing side will exit the tournament.

It was a night of action-packed cricket at the EKNA Stadium between RCB and LSG, which was nothing but a dead rubber. Although LSG had no hopes of making any further progress in the tournament, it was a must-win fixture for RCB as they needed to finish in the top two to avoid the Eliminator. The high-scoring thriller saw the ball flying to all parts. From Pant's blistering century to Jitesh Sharma's match-saving 85*, the crowd was thoroughly entertained right from the outset.

But controversy erupted during RCB's innings, which soon became a contentious talking point, leaving the fans divided. It was the same-old makad dismissal that became a point of friction between the two sides. At a time when the partnership between Jitesh and Mayank was blossoming nicely, Rathi resorted to dismissing Jitesh at the non-striker's end as he saw him backing up too far. A mankad dismissal was executed by Rathi at the bowler's end, and the decision was soon sent upstairs. 

See also: [WATCH] Anushka and VK trade flying kisses as RCB thrash LSG at EKNA

The TV umpire concluded that Rathi had paused and not even completed his entire action before dislodging the bails at the bowler's end. As per prevailing rules, a bowler is only allowed to run the non-striker before the bowler completes his/her entire action, or before his/her arm goes past the release point. The ruling from the TV umpire was out, and he rightly adjudicated Jitesh not out on the basis of visual evidence. Furthermore, in a strange turn of events, while the decision was referred, LSG captain Rishab Pant came forward to withdraw the appeal. 

Amidst all the drama, Virat's reaction went viral. The mankad dismissal left Virat visibly frustrated, and in the video given below, the chase master could be seen hurling a bottle out of frustration. 

Watch the entire incident unfold:

pic.twitter.com/90nxT2y0yn

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) May 27, 2025

Mankads are not unusual in modern-day cricket anymore, and the cash-rich league has seen a fair share of them over the years. Despite being well within the regulations, mankad dismissals do tend to cause a massive uproar within the cricketing community, with fans jostling to pick sides. 

That could've been a match-turning moment for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), but it ended in a no-ball and extra delivery. Digvesh Rathi pulled out his trademark 'notebook celebration,' but it was the field umpire who asked Royal Challengers Bengaluru's stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma to wait.

After examining the backfoot of Rathi, the umpire declared it a no ball. Thus, Sharma revived, and RCB got a huge boost to tilt the match momentum towards them. When Rathi was in the mood to celebrate Sharma's wicket, LSG captain Rishabh Pant tried to normalize the bowler; perhaps from a keeper's view right from behind the stumps, Pant possibly noticed the back foot of Digvesh.

The moment was caught on camera when Pant asked Rathi to hold his nerves for a while. The incident took place at the first ball of the 17th over. Jitesh chose to counter the LSG spinner with a reverse sweep but timed it wrong, and Ayush Badoni dove forward and took a low catch.

Read More: WATCH: Relive winning moments of historic win for RCB against LSG in IPL 2025

The match suddenly spiced-up for a backfoot no ball 

The stand-in captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru was on fire, and his wicket meant a lot for Digvesh; Sharma was ready to take a long walk towards the dugout. At this crucial moment, the umpire's decision changed the whole complexion of the scenario.

Rathi ended up bowling a back-foot no-ball; the umpire signaled it for a free hit. Jitesh utilized the chance with open arms, lofting the ball for a maximum. RCB successfully chased down LSG's 227, and Sharma was awarded the man of the match award for his unbeaten 85-run innings. 

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In an exciting IPL 2025 fixture with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Ekana Cricket Stadium, there was drama in the 17th over of RCB's chase of a target of 228 via a ball that LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi was bowling, when he attempted a Mankad run-out of RCB's stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma, who was backing up too far at the non-striker's end. Rathi stopped mid-delivery and removed the bails before appealing with Jitesh well out of his crease when replays were shown.

The drama escalated as the decision went to the third umpire, But LSG captain Rishabh Pant decided to withdraw the appeal, which would have led to a major turning point in the match by possibly achieving a precarious wicket. Pant's actions drew the praise of some but reignited the discussions surrounding the ethics of Mankading, which is considered a legal action under the laws of cricket but often not seen in the spirit of the game. Jitesh, obviously relieved, ran to Pant to hug him in appreciation, and the crowd at Ekana Stadium showed their appreciation for the spirit of the game.

Jitesh took full advantage of the reprieve and made a match-defining innings that changed the match in favor of RCB. His blazing 85 runs off just 33 balls, with eight fours and six sixes, carried RCB to a six-wicket win, chasing 228 in 18.4 overs for their highest IPL chase ever.

Jitesh Shines as RCB Secure Qualifier 1 Spot 

With that win, RCB earned a place among the top two, qualifying them for Qualifier 1 against the Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Jitesh’s explosive knock was the icing on the cake and made Pant’s gallant knock of 118* off 61 balls for LSG feel quite insignificant to keep the RCB train rolling into the playoffs.

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This Digvesh Rathi not only issues challans... but is also a fraud...

"Digvesh Rathi" #RCBvsLSG "Jitesh Sharma" "Digvesh Rathi" #RCBvsLSG "Rishabh Pant" Render Digvesh "Jitesh Sharma" "And Putin" #IPL25@StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/2C1Rr4P1qU

— Sahil Khanna (@SahilKh83593460) May 27, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 70: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Match Highlights

This match is remembered for Jitesh’s fireworks; it will also be remembered for the camaraderie that descended into a controversial situation, providing a great balance of cricket both in terms of rules and ethics.

In IPL 2025, Match 70, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 6 wickets. LSG batted first and created a formidable score of 227/3 in 20 overs, but RCB chased brilliantly, making 230/4 in 18.4 overs to win the match with 8 balls remaining.

Lucknow Super Giants Innings

LSG put on a humongous total of 227/3 in 20 overs. Their captain, Rishabh Pant, played a spectacular unbeaten 118 off 61 balls*, leading the innings with aggressive stroke-play. Supporting him was Mitchell Marsh, who crushed 67 off 37, while Matthew Breetzke joined him with 14 off 12. RCB's bowlers were under pressure throughout, with Nuwan Thushara having the best figures with 1/26 in 4 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/46) and Romario Shepherd (1/51) both had a wicket. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

RCB chased down the huge total comfortably in 18.4 overs for 230/4. Jitesh Sharma led the way with 85 off 33 balls*, with support from the experienced Virat Kohli with 54 off 30. Mayank Agarwal gave them vital support, contributing 41 off 23 balls* to guide them home. Even with a mountain of totals, these LSG bowlers couldn't defend it, with Will O’Rourke 2/74 in 4 overs, Avesh Khan 1/32 in 3, and Akash Singh 1/40 in 4 all taking wickets.

LSG vs RCB: Post Match Reactions

Jitesh Sharma (RCB Stand-in Captain & POTM): Jitesh Sharma was very emotional after scoring an unbeaten 85, calling it 'unbelievable.' He credited mentor Dinesh Karthik for teaching him to finish strong and take games deep. After Virat Kohli got out, Jitesh focused on holding the innings and keeping calm under pressure. He was cramping but said he knew he had the responsibility and felt privileged to be playing alongside such greats as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Virat, and Krunal. He praised Rajat Patidar and said Hazlewood was fit for the playoffs. He said Liam and Bhuvi weren't at their best and feels confident in the depth and spirit of the group.

Mayank Agarwal (RCB): Mayank Agarwal praised Jitesh’s innings and said his job was only to rotate strike and let Jitesh have fun. They were calculating along the chase, targeting particular bowlers, and it worked as they planned. He said this win gave the team belief at the time; recent pursuit of exactly the same target did not go well for them. His partnership with Virat helped stabilize the situation before Jitesh just went off the charts. Mayank was happy they executed a chase on a good batting pitch.

Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain): Rishabh Pant reiterated the need for a full 40 overs of good cricket. He was delighted with his score of 118 not out and wanted to keep things simple and consistent. He said the team could not deal with the injuries all season. Even with young bowlers like Digvesh and Akash being positives for us, Pant felt his LSG team just could not apply pressure for long enough. He now looks forward to some time off before the England series.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Why was Jitesh Sharma not given out for Mankading in LSG vs. RCB?

Super Giants Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Match Scorecard

Lucknow Super Giants (20 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (18.4 Overs)

In the 2025 IPL clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a moment involving Jitesh Sharma has sparked widespread discussion. While Sharma was backing up too far as he stood at the non-striker's end before the ball was delivered, which raised eyebrows among fans and experts. Many felt that Sharma should have been run out by being Mankaded, but it did not lead to confusion with the ruling. 

According to Law 41.16 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, a bowler may only attempt to run out a non-striker at the non-striker's end if the non-striker had abandoned his crease before the bowler completed his delivery stride. Although Sharma abandoned the crease early, the bowler had already entered the delivery stride and was releasing the ball. The non-striker was no longer entitled to run out, meaning it would not have been legal to perform a Mankading dismissal in regard to the delivery.

The umpires applied the relevant laws appropriately in this instance. Jitesh may have left the crease early, but since the bowler's attempt was after the league delivery stride, the appeal subsequently failed. In the end, this is a timely reminder about the precise nature of cricket's laws and a little something to reinforce why Mankading is one of the most contested dismissals in the game.

The Match Outcome and Aftermath

RCB won the match by 6 wickets, chasing down LSG’s total of 227/3. LSG’s innings was powered by a blistering knock from Jitesh Sharma, who smashed 85 runs off just 33 balls, lighting up the stadium with boundaries. However, RCB responded strongly, reaching 230/4 in 18.4 overs.

Also Read: WATCH: Rishabh Pant's acrobatic celebration after brilliant century in LSG vs RCB game in IPL 2025

Although the Mankading did not influence the result, it did instigate some discussions in cricket circles. What it does reflect is the need for bowlers to understand the timing rules should they wish to execute a non-striker run-out within the laws of the game.

In a thrilling run-feast at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claimed victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 6 wickets in Match 70. Chasing a tall target of 228 runs, RCB made a different display with the bat, scoring 230/4 in 18.4 overs for a comfortable win.

Lucknow Super Giants scored an impactful 227/3 in 20 overs with their openers and batsmen well set. However, RCB took nothing away; RCB chased the target in just over 18 overs with a very entertaining innings of adventure at the bat.

With this important win, RCB has now moved into the top 2 of the points table and will be in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 and has an opportunity to secure a direct entry into the IPL 2025 Final.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of May 27, 2025, following the match between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

 Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians have officially qualified for the playoffs.

Also read: WATCH: Dhruv Jurel speaks aura of Hardik Pandya in dressing room

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• B Sai Sudharsan - 679 Runs
• Shubman Gill - 649 Runs
• Surya Kumar Yadav - 640 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Noor Ahmad - 24 Wickets
• Prasidh Krishna - 23 Wickets
• Trent Boult - 19 wickets

In a thrilling IPL 2025 game at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Rishabh Pant put on a masterclass by hitting an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls to set Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) a challenging total of 227/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The LSG captain received criticism for his inconsistent form this season but surely made up for it with an explosive innings, which included an amazing 11 fours and eight sixes. Pant hit a 54-ball century, only his second in IPL, which both helped LSG instill hope into a disappointing season and pressured RCB’s bowling depth.

Pant's celebration was almost as electric as his innings. Upon reaching the landmark, he pointed to the LSG badge, kissed his bat, and did a backflip that fired up the Ekana crowd. The animated celebration was intended to show the franchise that paid ₹27 crore for his services and also the Indian selectors a signal, as India has a full calendar coming up that includes a Test tour of England where he is vice captain. Along with Mitchell Marsh's 67 off 37, Pant's explosive innings set RCB a difficult task ahead.

RCB is currently 27/0 after 1.5 overs, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt batting. After setting the lofty target of 228, RCB cannot afford to lose their next match since they need to win to make sure they stay in the top two and avoid the 50-50 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. LSG has nothing to lose, and that is why they can have fun as they build a team for next year, and they have surely damaged RCB's chances by piling pressure on the RCB bowlers.

Pant’s Redemption

Pant's century brings his IPL 2025 tally to 359 runs in 14 matches, a 29.91 average, and a 152 strike rate. He is the second Indian wicketkeeper, after KL Rahul, to score two IPL centuries. Overall, his performance here today not only helped LSG show promise, but it will also be a warning to rivals that Pant's return to form means business as he prepares for the last phase of the season.

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Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Foundation sparks new dawn through sports in Dantewada

For RCB, the pressure is on; they must overcome Pant’s heroics to keep their top-two hopes alive. This match underscores Pant’s ability to turn games single-handedly, leaving a lasting impact on IPL 2025.

Lucknow Super Giants are playing their last match of the IPL 2025, where they are facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow in the last league stage game of the tournament on Tuesday evening (May 27). While South African cricketer Aiden Markram is absent from the game, here we are going through the reason for his absence.

Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants lost the toss in their last game of the season, while RCB sent them to bat first. Talking about the squad, LSG skipper revealed two changes. While Digvesh Rathi obviously joined the playing squad after completing his one-match suspension, South African Matthew Breetzke replaced his native Aiden Markram for the match. With this match, Breetzke makes his IPL debut.

Aiden Markram is the third leading run-scorer for LSG in the IPL 2025. The right-handed batter scored 445 runs in 13 innings this season with an average of 34.23 and a strike rate of 148.82, including five half-centuries, the joint second most 50+ scores for the team this season. He smashed 38 fours and 22 sixes this season, the third most sixes by a LSG batter in the IPL 2025. Moreover, Markram has also taken four wickets this IPL season. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Why are Tim David and Lungi Ngidi not playing in today's LSG vs RCB clash?

Why is Aiden Markram not playing today?

Due to his national duty, Markram has left his IPL franchise and is ready to join the national team. Markram is one of the important players for South Africa, who will face the defending champions Australia in the upcoming third ICC World Test Championship Final. 

IPL 2025, LSG vs RCB: Still an important match for RCB

As LSG have already been eliminated from the tournament, there is no replacement requirement for Markram. It is still an important match for LSG, just like RCB, who are battling to secure the top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table. Before the match, LSG are in the seventh position in the points table with 12 points in 13 games. By ending the season with a victory, LSG will finish the season in the sixth position after surpassing the IPL 2024 runners-up SunRisers Hyderabad (13 points in 14 matches). 

In the 70th fixture of the IPL 2025 season, LSG's marquee player Rishab Pant was finally back to his vintage best. He smashed an enthralling half-century to put RCB on the back foot. This was also the second half-century for him in the competition. Although this knock has done very little to justify his hefty price tag, many believe that he has done well to silence his critics.

Pant has had a season to forget. Being the most expensive player in the history of the IPL, he let his team and his fans down miserably. His average plummeted to less than 20, whereas his strike rate dipped to an alarming low of 119, something which was least expected from him at the start of the season. But today, at the EKNA stadium, Pant behaved as if he were batting on another planet. The confidence which was so desperately lacking in him came to life as he was smashing it to all parts. 

On the back of his swashbuckling fifty, LSG recovered from a tricky situation of 25-1 inside the third over and marched all the way to a commanding score of 164 by the end of the 15th over without losing a wicket. The ball was flying to all parts as Pant accounted for more than 60% of the team's runs with seven fours and six sixes to his name.

Breaking down Pant's special fifty against RCB

After the loss of the first wicket, both Pant and Marsh turned their beast mode on to punish the RCB bowlers ruthlessly. The bowlers were all at sea as they saw the duo flex their muscles big time. It was raining boundaries and sixes while the duo was out in the middle. The second wicket partnership lasted for 152 runs and was finally put to an end by Bhuvi as he managed to get the better of Marsh with a slower knuckle-ball during the 16th over. 

But Pant stayed unbeaten, and at the time of Marsh's dismissal, his current score stood at 83(45). A majority of his runs came on the leg side over the mid-wicket and the cow corner region. Needless to say, Pant did not disappoint his fans tonight. All of them have shared mixed reactions on social media. With some saying that he is back at his brutal best, some also hold the opinion that it probably came a little too late. As he finds himself on the cusp of a century, Pant has the opportunity to end his season with a bang. 

See also: LSG vs RCB : Match 70 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

Twitter reactions after Rishabh Pant scores his second half-century of IPL 2025

RISHABH PANT IS BACK..!!!! 🔥

- Captain Rishabh Pant smashed a brilliant fifty in just 29 balls against RCB at Ekana. pic.twitter.com/pSkuIGqn3z

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 27, 2025

Brilliant Fifty by Rishabh Pant in just 29 balls. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NZyK9ileo1

— Rishabh Singh Parmar (@irishabhparmar) May 27, 2025

Brilliant Fifty by Rishabh Pant in just 29 balls. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NZyK9ileo1

— Rishabh Singh Parmar (@irishabhparmar) May 27, 2025

Second Fifty by Rishabh Pant in this IPL.

52* (29) #RCBvsLSG #LSGvRCB
Yash Dayal Virat Kohli Jitesh Sharma Marsh pic.twitter.com/tCBqzDpsV3

— Vishal (@vish0322) May 27, 2025

RISHABH PANT IS BACK..!!!! 🔥

- Captain Rishabh Pant smashed a brilliant fifty in just 29 balls against RCB at Ekana. pic.twitter.com/pSkuIGqn3z

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 27, 2025

• CAPTAIN RISHABH PANT IS BACK..!!!! 🔥

• Captain Rishabh Pant smashed a brilliant fifty in just 29 balls against RCB at Ekana.

• Form is Temporary, Class is Permanent.

• Rishabh Pant x LSG.#TATAIPL2025 #LSGvsRCB #Rishabhpant #EkanaStadiumpic.twitter.com/IZQN0oSCcT

— Nitesh Prajapati (@itsmenitesh004) May 27, 2025