LSG’s rising star, leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi, found himself at the center of the storm after attempting to 'Mankad’ Royal Challengers Bengaluru stand in skipper Jitesh Sharma. The attenmpt drew strong reaction from Virat Kohli inside dressing room.
The incident happened in the 17th over when Rathi tried to run Jitesh out at the non-striker's end. Although he pulled back at the last moment, the move didn't sit well with RCB senior pro Virat Kohli. Watching the events unfold from the dressing room, Kohli, visibly annoyed by the gamesmanship, was caught on camera furiously reacting even hurling a water bottle in frustration.
Before the episode, Rathi had the opportunity to dismiss Jitesh in the same over. The opportunity came when Jitesh attempted a reverse sweep off the first ball and ended up hitting it straight to Ayush Badoni at point. Rathi had already started his trademark celebration, convinced he had struck, while Jitesh looked distraught. But the joy was short-lived. The umpire paused the play to check for a no-ball and to everyone’s disbelief, Rathi had overstepped, not with his front foot, but through a rare backfoot no-ball violation.
Jitesh Sharma takes RCB to Qualifier 1
Rathi ended his night without a wicket, capping off a bittersweet end to his impressive season. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma had the last laugh. He led RCB with a blazing unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, anchoring a stunning chase of 228. His innings featured 8 fours and 6 towering sixes, played at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 257.58. Teaming up with Mayank Agarwal (41 off 23), the duo forged a match-winning 107-run stand for the fifth wicket, sealing the victory with eight balls to spare.
Earlier in the game, Rishabh Pant had reignited his form for LSG, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls to help his side post a formidable 227/3. But his effort went in vain, as RCB surged past the total to finish second on the points table and set up a Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings.
