Ravichandran Ashwin recently opened up about the memorable IPL match in 2019 where he controversially ran out Jos Buttler, revealing that he was initially apprehensive about the outcome. As the captain of Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) during the game against Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin took the bold decision to dismiss Buttler for straying too far from the non-striker’s end. This incident sparked a widespread debate on the ‘spirit of the game’ and reignited discussions around the ‘Mankad’ mode of dismissal.
In the aftermath of the event, Ashwin became known for executing such dismissals effectively, prompting other bowlers to follow suit. Despite the MCC’s subsequent approval of this mode of dismissal, bowlers are often criticized when employing it. Nonetheless, Ashwin has continued to be associated with such incidents, garnering both praise and scrutiny for his actions.
Reflecting on that eventful evening during a conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist on the Club Prairie podcast, Ashwin recalled the shock and disbelief among his teammates following Buttler’s dismissal. Despite the uproar, Ashwin took responsibility for the decision and refocused the team on the task at hand – winning the match. He emphasized the importance of pushing boundaries to secure victory and acknowledged the discomfort caused by such controversial moments in cricket.
Following his tenure with Punjab Kings, Ashwin moved to Delhi Capitals before joining Rajasthan Royals, where he now shares the field with Buttler. The episode involving Ashwin and Buttler in Jaipur showcased the intensity and drama typical of IPL matches, culminating in Buttler’s fiery reaction to the run-out decision. Despite the heated exchange, Punjab Kings managed to maintain their lead and clinch a 14-run victory over Rajasthan Royals, highlighting the impact of Ashwin’s strategic move on the game’s outcome.
