Ashwin Criticizes Pant for Withdrawing Rathi's Non-Striker Run-Out Appeal

R Ashwin has publicly criticized Rishabh Pant for withdrawing an appeal made by rookie bowler Digvesh Rathi for a non-striker run-out during Lucknow Super Giants' final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The incident unfolded in the 17th over when Rathi removed the bails after spotting Jitesh Sharma out of his crease. Though the TV umpire ruled the batter not out due to Rathi completing his delivery stride, Pant withdrew the appeal and even hugged Jitesh, drawing praise for his "sportsmanship."

Ashwin, a known advocate of non-striker run-outs, was far from impressed. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he expressed concern that Pant’s decision publicly undermined a young bowler in front of millions. “You will scar a bowler so much that it will really affect him,” Ashwin said, questioning whether such gestures were truly about sportsmanship or a misplaced sense of public image.

While acknowledging that the technical decision of “not out” was correct in this instance, Ashwin emphasized that the withdrawal of the appeal—especially after following due process—sent the wrong message. “A captain’s job is to back a player. Not make a bowler feel small,” he added, arguing that young bowlers like Rathi could be discouraged from making similar legitimate dismissals in the future due to fear of public shaming.

Ashwin concluded by calling for a shift in perception around this controversial mode of dismissal. “Why shouldn't he [the bowler] do it? Let's grow out of this,” he said, urging fans and players alike to respect bowlers' rights and intentions on the field.

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