Chasing Punjab’s 184, Rajasthan Royals were cruising at 108/2 in 12.4 overs when Ravichandran Ashwin shocked almost everyone by running out Jos Buttler by the means infamously known as ‘Mankading’
Buttler was going strong at 69 off 43 balls when Ajinkya Rahane was at the crease and Ashwin was the bowler. The Punjab skipper ran up to the crease, stopped his run-up and before rolling his arm for the delivery, checked Buttler’s position and finding him already out of the crease - ran him out.
The MCC rules state that if the non striker is found to be out of his crease “when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to run him out".
In fact, earlier the bowler had to give the opponent a warning before trying to run him out in such a manner, Ashwin however did not need to do so according to the updated laws of the game.
While Buttler seemed furious on the field and was involved in a heated exchange with Ashwin, the third umpire ruled him out and the English batsman had to walk back to the hut.
That dismissal completely changed the pace of the chase as Steve Smith (20), Samson, Ben Stokes and Rahul Tripathy departed in quick succession and Punjab won the match by 14 runs.
Here’s what the players and experts had to say about the incident.
Ashwin: “No real argument on that (the run out). It was pretty instinctive. I didn't even load and he had left the crease. That’s pretty much it. That’s always been my take on it because thats my half of the crease. We ended on the right side of the coin, but I definitely think that those are game-changing moments and batsmen need to be wary of it.”
Rahane: “We are not supposed to comment on controversial issues. The match referee will take the call. We will take the decision sportingly.”
Paddy Upton, RR Coach: "I looked at his team-mates and I'm not sure it represented his team-mates. I think we'll leave it up to the IPL fans to decide if that's the kind of things they want to see, and we'll leave it up to the cricket world to judge R Ashwin's actions tonight. But for us, we're certainly here to play cricket and entertain the fans and be good role models for people who love the game."
Harsha Bhogle: “Lots of drama on the Buttler run-out. He was livid but the law and the advisory on it is clear. The bowler is within his right to run a player out at the non-striker's end if he is out of his crease.
I am hearing a lot of talk about spirit of the game. This law specifically came in because, taking recourse to this very "spirit of the game" batsmen were running 6 inches less to complete a run.
My final point on this. Ashwin ran Buttler out. It went to the 3rd umpire who is on the ICC Elite panel. He looked at the replays & said the non-striker was out. He is the custodian of the laws & playing conditions. So irrespective of what Ashwin did, it was the umpire's decision.”
Shane Warne: “So disappointed in Ashwin as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. Ashwin had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the #IPL.
As Captain of your side - you set the standard of the way the team wants to play & what the team stands for! Why do such a disgraceful & low act like that tonight ? You must live with yourself & FYI - it’s to late to say sorry Mr Ashwin. You will be remembered for that low act.”
Eoin Morgan: I can’t believe what I’m seeing!! Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that.
Michael Vaughan: I would say to all India ex players/pundits who are supportive of what R Ashwin did... If Virat Kohli was batting would you be so supportive!!???
RP Singh: “Ashwin was completely within his rights to dismiss butler there. Don’t understand how Spirit of Cricket can be questioned. How many times have u seen a batsman wait for Umpires decision when he knew he was out?”
Dean Jones: “Don’t blame Ashwin here. As it’s allowed in the Laws of the game.. how is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it’s allowed within the Laws of game? Blame the administrators for making the Law.”
Scott Styris: “My opinion on the Buttler/Ashwin controversy is that its NOT Buttler’s fault and its NOT Ashwin’s fault either. Ashwin is entitled to appeal. I thought the TV umpire made the incorrect decision. Should've been dead ball..... play on”
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