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 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.