What if Rishabh Pant hadn’t withdrawn the run-out appeal against Jitesh Sharma – Could RCB have lost?

Jitesh Sharma & Rishabh Pant(Source: X)

In the blockbuster clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday evening, an incident involving Jitesh Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and a run-out appeal at the non-striker’s end by Digvesh Rathi, which was later withdrawn, grabbed immense attention. However, with RCB chasing a huge target of 228, an incident in the 17th over could have potentially changed the outcome of the game.

The moment came at the end of the 17th over when LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi spotted RCB’s stand-in skipper, Jitesh, outside the crease at the non-striker’s end. Without delivering the ball, Rathi turned back and removed the bails, a legal run-out attempt under cricket laws. The on-field umpire confirmed Rathi wanted to go ahead with the appeal, leading to a TV umpire review.

Third umpire Ulhas Gandhe adjudged the batter not out, claiming Rathi had completed his delivery stride, which meant he had passed the moment when a run-out at the non-striker’s end could legally be affected. Even before the final decision was displayed on the big screen, LSG captain Pant was seen withdrawing the appeal. He gestured toward the umpires and later shared a hug with Jitesh.

However, at the time of the incident, RCB needed 30 runs off 20 balls, and if Jitesh had been adjudged out while being 57 off 25, the side still had good chances of winning the game. Mayank Agarwal, who was batting on 38, was well set at the crease, and the side still had big hitters like Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya to come.

Both Shepherd and Krunal have delivered match-winning performances this season, and with LSG’s bowlers struggling with their rhythm on the day, it’s fair to assume RCB had the firepower to chase down the target even if Jitesh had been dismissed. Jitesh went on to smash an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls and finished the chase with eight balls to spare, making it RCB’s highest-ever successful chase and the third highest in IPL history. Mayank supported him perfectly with 41* off 23.

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