Credit: X
Renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has delivered a strong reaction to the discussion on Spirit of Cricket, following the incident linked to Jitesh Sharma and Digvesh Rathi which took place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game, played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 27. In the crucial game, Jitesh stepped up for his team and produced a spectacular knock of an unbeaten 85 off 33 to help his side chase down the target of 228 with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. However, before the RCB wicket-keeper batter played the spectacular innings, he encountered an incident which could’ve led to his dismissal.
Jitesh, who was looking in sensational touch, stepped out of the crease in the 17th over of the second innings. Noting him, LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi strove to mankad him but the umpire intervened and delivered the verdict ‘not out’ as the spinner completed the bowling action before dislodging the bails. Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant also withdrew the appeal and following this, the 27-year-old started getting appreciation for uplifting the ‘Spirit of Cricket.’ However, Harsha has expressed his discontent on the debate as he feels that mankading is as legal as any other forms of dismissal in the sport.
“I have no problem with the umpire turning down the appeal if he thinks the non-striker was inside the crease when the bowler's arm had crossed the point where he is expected to release the ball. I am disappointed when the spirit of the game is invoked. You play by the laws,” wrote Bhogle on X.
RCB will take on Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1
Bengaluru will contest against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1, set to be played in Mullanpur Chandigarh on May 29. Punjab are expected to enjoy the home advantage but RCB have also established the fact that they haven’t lost any game outside home in IPL 2025.
RCB, who played their last IPL final in 2016, will be expected to play quality cricket against Punjab to qualify for the final comfortably. PBKS have surpassed the league stage for the third time in their 18-year IPL history. Before 2025, they reached the playoffs in 2014 under George Bailey’s captaincy.
