“Not out because Rishabh Pant said no—we don’t need this wicket—even though Jitesh Sharma was outside his crease,” said former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta.
Jitesh Sharma’s Grateful Reaction as Rishabh Pant Withdraws Run-Out Appeal
After Rishabh Pant told the on-field umpires he wanted to withdraw the run-out appeal against Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end, Jitesh’s reaction was a heartfelt mix of relief and gratitude. As Pant walked back to his position, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter pulled him into a hug to thank him for the gesture.
The incident occurred on the penultimate ball of the 17th over during RCB’s chase when Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi attempted the run out. As the decision went upstairs, a stunned Jitesh stood near the umpire in disbelief. Although replays showed he was out of his crease, the giant screen flashed “not out” after Pant and Avesh Khan informed the umpires they were withdrawing the appeal.
“Not out because Rishabh said no, we don’t need this wicket even though he was out of his crease. Rishabh said no, we withdraw this appeal,” explained former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta. At the time of the incident, Jitesh Sharma was unbeaten on 57 runs off just 25 balls, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru needing 29 runs from 19 balls. Had Jitesh been given out, it could have dramatically changed the course of the match.
Jitesh was not out, Rishabh Pant didn’t need to withdraw his appeal
It’s important to note that Jitesh Sharma would not have been out even if Rishabh Pant hadn’t withdrawn the appeal. According to current MCC regulations, a non-striker can only be run out at the non-striker’s end until the bowler’s arm reaches the highest point in the delivery swing.
Replays showed that bowler Digvesh Rathi had already completed his bowling action and crossed the popping crease before whipping off the bails. The third umpire confirmed this, and under Law 38.3.1, this invalidates the run-out attempt. Once the bowler completes the bowling action, the non-striker is no longer liable to be run out under this rule.
Jitesh remained unbeaten on 85 off 33 balls as RCB successfully chased the 228-run target in 18.4 overs, moving up to second place in the points table. Their next challenge is against Punjab Kings in the first Qualifier for a spot in the final.