In a tense moment during the final over of the IPL 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, umpires intervened to change the match ball with just five deliveries remaining. RR needed eight runs off the last five balls when Avesh Khan, known for his reverse swing at the death, handed the ball to the umpire.
The ball was quickly swapped out, prompting clear frustration from captain Avesh Khan and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Pant offered a wry smile, while Avesh appeared upset as the change could impact his ability to generate reverse swing in crucial final moments.The very previous ball saw Avesh deliver a pinpoint 139.8kph yorker to Dhruv Jurel, who could only manage a single. However, the sudden disruption left fans and players alike debating the timing of the decision, with many wondering whether the reverse swing threat had been deliberately nullified.
With Rajasthan Royals needing just 8 runs off 5 balls, tensions were sky-high when the umpire called for a ball change.
Avesh Khan, visibly surprised and frustrated, had been relying on reverse swing — a key weapon in the death overs. The abrupt ball swap disrupted the rhythm, leading both Avesh and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to react with disbelief. Pant, trying to mask his irritation, flashed a wry smile while Avesh exchanged glances with the umpire. The decision to change the ball at such a crucial juncture — with 19.1 overs bowled and reverse swing in play — sparked immediate reactions from both players and fans.
