In a high-voltage IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Jitesh Sharma’s sensational innings of 85 from just 33 balls powered RCB to a thrilling 6-wicket win while chasing a daunting target of 228 runs. With this victory, RCB climbed to the second spot on the points table and will now face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on May 29.
What added drama to the electrifying encounter was an intense moment involving Virat Kohli, who appeared visibly furious at an controversial attempt by LSG’s Digvesh Rathi to dismiss Jitesh at the non-striker’s end through a run-out attempt.
Virat Kohli gets angry over Digvesh Rathi’s attempt to run-out Jitesh Sharma at non-strikers’ end
The incident occurred during a crucial phase of the match when RCB was mounting a comeback through Jitesh and Mayank Agarwal’s partnership. Rathi, in a desperate move, attempted to run out Jitesh at the non-striker’s end before delivering the ball. Though such dismissals are within the laws of the game, they often spark debates over the spirit in which the game is played.
Replays revealed that Rathi had overstepped during the attempt, leading the third umpire to declare the batter not out. Interestingly, Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant initially withdrew the appeal, but after being asked by the umpire, Rathi affirmed he was indeed appealing. This reignited the situation.
Watching from the RCB changeroom, Kohli couldn’t hide his displeasure. In a moment that has since gone viral on social media, the former RCB captain was seen slamming a bottle onto the glass barrier and exchanging heated words in frustration. His reaction has drawn mixed responses online, with some praising his passion while others questioned the intensity of his anger.
Here is the video:
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) May 27, 2025
Watch out for Virat’s reaction after Digvesh attempted mankid on Jitesh Sharma. #IPL2025 #IPL #JiteshSharma pic.twitter.com/sAKf6Ck7TV
— Akhilesh Dhar (@akhileshdhar1) May 27, 2025
Also READ: RCB, MI, GT or PBKS? Robin Uthappa predicts the two finalists of IPL 2025
RCB acquires Qualifier 1 spot in style
Earlier, RCB got off to a blazing start with Phil Salt and Kohli adding 61 runs in just 5.4 overs. However, a mini-collapse saw them lose Salt (30), Rajat Patidar (14), Liam Livingstone (0), and Kohli himself — who scored a brisk 54 from 30 deliveries — leaving them needing 105 runs from 52 balls.
That’s when Jitesh rose to the occasion, smashing 6 sixes and 8 fours in a counter-attacking display that left LSG bowlers clueless. Supported ably by Agarwal, Jitesh helped RCB complete their highest-ever run chase in IPL history, sealing their Qualifier 1 spot in style.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Jitesh Sharma’s fireworks guide RCB to Qualifier 1 in historic run chase against LSG
