Ravichandran Ashwin, the former Indian cricketer, stirred controversy during the IPL 2019 season while playing for Kings XI Punjab. A notable incident occurred during a match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, where Ashwin executed a “Mankad” dismissal against England’s Jos Buttler. This moment not only altered the game’s outcome but also ignited a heated debate regarding the spirit of cricket.
Mankad Incident Overview
The incident took place when Buttler had scored 69 runs off 42 balls. As he stepped out of his crease before the bowler released the ball, Ashwin took the opportunity to run him out. This dismissal contributed significantly to Rajasthan Royals’ defeat; they fell short by 14 runs while chasing a target of 185.
Ashwin’s Justification for the Dismissal
In a recent interview on JioStar, Ashwin reflected on the Mankad incident and expressed no regrets about his actions. He emphasized that the criticism surrounding such dismissals often comes from societal norms rather than the laws of cricket.
- Ashwin stated, “I don’t feel ashamed for committing the dismissal.”
- He added, “If you need two runs and you start running early, whose fault is that?”
- Ashwin encouraged fellow bowlers to execute similar dismissals, pointing out that fear of public scrutiny often deters them.
The Spirit of Cricket Debate
The Mankad debate intertwined with broader discussions about cricket’s unwritten rules and sportsmanship. Ashwin argued that bowlers should have freedom in their actions without being judged harshly.
- He remarked, “What will people say? It has become a kind of societal pressure.”
- Ashwin noted that this pressure stems from consistent public and media backlash against such dismissals.
- However, he firmly believes that playing within the laws of the game is paramount.
Ashwin maintains that he remains proud of the decision made during that IPL match, asserting that he acted within the rules. He highlighted the difference between legality and public perception in cricket.
Conclusion
The Mankad incident involving Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin continues to resonate within cricket discussions. It challenges players and fans alike to reconsider the balance between the game’s laws and notions of sportsmanship. Ashwin stands firm, advocating for the acceptance of “Mankad” dismissals as a legitimate strategy in cricket.
