Ravichandran Ashwin incurred the wrath of many when he mankaded Jos Buttler in KXIP's opening game of IPL 2019 vs RR. While he was well within the rules, many felt he had violated the spirit of the game.
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So what had actually happened? Well, Buttler was out of his crease at the non-striker's end and Ashwin noticed it as he ran into bowl. He opted not to complete the delivery and whipped off the bails. He appealed and it was given out. Buttler was not a happy man and many did not approve of his actions.
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Now the question is, was Ashwin actually wrong in doing it? The law states that the bowler can ran out the non-striker before he bowls the ball. But it is considered unsporting. In many cases the bowler is known to give a warning to the batsman. But whether or not he runs the non-striker out is a matter of discretion.
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Now while most people are crucifying Ashwin, what about Buttler? The man may be miffed at the way he was done in, but he sort of had it coming. Why so? Well in that over, before he got out, he was seen leaving his crease at the non-striker's end at least 3 times off the 2nd, 3rd and 5th ball. So sooner or later he was bound to be caught napping.
Yes, what Ashwin did was not the conventional way to get a player out, but if the rule itself creates a conflict with the spirit of the game, why have it in the first place? Food for thought anyone?