In a high-octane clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant showcased not just his batting brilliance but also an admirable sense of sportsmanship during their IPL 2025 encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Batting first after being asked to put up a score, LSG rode on a magnificent unbeaten century from Pant, who smashed 118* off just 61 balls, propelling his team to a mammoth total of 227/3.
His authoritative knock, filled with elegant strokes and raw power, signalled a resounding return to form for the under-fire captain. Chasing a daunting total, RCB began with fireworks of their own. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt tore into the LSG bowlers during the powerplay, racing past 60 runs in no time. Kohli looked in sublime touch with a quickfire 54 off 30 balls. But a flurry of wickets saw RCB struggling at 123/4 by the 11th over.
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Amid the collapse, stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma turned the tide. Displaying nerves of steel, Sharma smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, steering RCB to a sensational victory with nine balls to spare.
Yet, amid all the action, it was a moment in the 17th over that stood out. As Digvesh Rathi ran in to bowl the final delivery of the over, he clipped the stumps in his delivery stride. Spotting Jitesh Sharma outside the crease, Rathi appealed for a run-out. The decision was referred to the third umpire.
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Replays clearly showed Sharma out of his ground, but to everyone’s surprise, the appeal was withdrawn. It was Rishabh Pant who intervened, asking for the appeal to be dropped, earning praise from fans and commentators alike for upholding the spirit of the game. In a match filled with drama and brilliance, Pant’s gesture became the standout moment.
Rishabh pant : I will take back the appeal 🔥🔥
Such A great gesture by Rishabh pant 💥🙌🔥#RCBvsLSG #RishabhPant #Jiteshsharma #ViratKohli #digveshrathi pic.twitter.com/L82wbqtJ0A— UPSC (@upsc_India_) May 27, 2025
