R Ashwin calls out Rishabh Pant for ‘embarrassing’ his own bowler

R Ashwin slams Rishabh Pant for withdrawing a 'Mankad' appeal during LSG vs RCB Calls it disrespectful to the bowler.

In the final group game of IPL 2025, Digvesh Rathi ran out Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end, but LSG skipper Rishabh Pant took back the appeal.

The appeal was sent upstairs, the TV umpire ruled Jitesh not out even though he should technically have been given out, and Rishabh Pant made it clear that the appeal would be withdrawn.

R Ashwin said this was a humiliation for the bowler. It makes him feel like he did something wrong, even when he followed the rules.

R Ashwin questioned Rishabh Pant's move. He stated a captain should stand by his players, not leave them embarrassed on a big stage.

“What if Digvesh Rathi was your son? You scar him like this in front of crores?” R Ashwin didn’t hold back while making his point.

Ashwin admitted he doesn’t know Rathi personally. But even from the outside, he could tell how much the bowler was hurt. He warned that moments like this can shake a young player’s confidence.

R Ashwin went through the same with Jos Buttler in 2019. He took all the heat then, and still stands by his call.

“Stop vilifying bowlers for using the laws. You play by the rules and still get shamed for it. That’s what hurts most."