Yesterday’s IPL match between LSG and RCB was one where both teams returned home somewhat happy and satisfied with their performances.
While LSG skipper Rishabh Pant was in the 7th heaven for gaining back his form, even though it was a little too late, RCB were elated to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat, thanks to an excellent inning by Jitesh Sharma, scoring 85 runs off 33 balls.
But it was not like everything went smoothly for the Royal Challengers. Digvesh Rathi’s controversial attempt at a Mankad quickly made headlines due to its debatable nature.
Rathi attempted the Mankad move on Jitesh Sharma, but his own skipper, Rishabh Pant, didn’t side with him as he turned down the appeal even though the decision came in Jitesh Sharma’s favour, who was the non-striker batter.
Virat Kohli seemed particularly annoyed at Rathi, his frustration evident as he threw a bottle at the glass in what can only be described as a moment of heat.
While Rathi has been a controversial player this season, many came forward to support him for bringing ‘spice’ to cricket at a time when the game seems to be rapidly losing it.
People on social media defended Rathi, claiming that he did nothing wrong as Mankad is a clear legal move etched in the holy books of cricket.
With RCB now having made their place in the top 2, it will be interesting to see if they can defeat a god-tier PBKS to finally make their way into the finals for this season.
