Ravichandran Ashwin sparked massive controversy in the 4th game of IPL 2019. The skipper of Kings XI Punjab Mankaded Jos Buttler during Rajasthan Royals’ chase.
In the 13th over of the RR innings, Ashwin was about to deliver the ball as Sanju Samson lined up to face. While the spinner came into his delivery stride, Buttler, at the non-striker’s end, backed up too far. Ashwin spotted that and he removed the bails. The English batsman couldn’t get back in time.
The umpire referred the decision to the third umpire but Ashwin and Buttler got engaged in a battle of words. The third-umpire ruled in favor of the fielding side. Buttler was agitated on his way back to the pavilion. He had played brilliantly thus far and was batting on 69 from 43 balls. The opener was guiding RR to the chase of 185 quite comfortably.
Ashwin’s move didn’t go down well with a lot of people. Even the on-air commentators were divided on the move. Some believed it was against the spirit of the game. On the other hand, Ashwin was deemed to be right as Mankading is well within the laws of the game.
This was a rare incident in the game of cricket. Mankading has always been a topic of debate. This was the first occasion when a batsman was run out in such a fashion. When the incident took place, the Twitterati were quick to react. Many slammed the KXIP captain for his move and claimed it was against the spirit of the game. South African pacer Dale Steyn also tweeted and said, “He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin”
Twitter slammed Ashwin for mankading Jos Buttler
You are free to pass your judgment on @ashwinravi99 's Mankad to dismiss @josbuttler. But it's in the rule. Nothing wrong with it.#RRvKXIP #RRvsKXIP #IPL2019
— Shubham Khare (@shubhamkhare71) March 25, 2019
Law is above The Mythical Spirit of The Game. Don’t fret. Don’t frown. #Ashwin #Buttler #RRvKXIP #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2019
He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019
Oh hell! Ashwin's run Butler out for backing up too far. Within the laws, but outside the spirt of the game. Unless the batsman had been cautioned earlier. We'll know about that later. For now, Punjab get coveted breakthru and the IPL its first major controversy this season
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 25, 2019
This is the first such instance of a player has been mankaded in IPL – Jos Buttler by Ravichandran Ashwin. #RRvKXIP
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1110230705529745409
Some More Tweets on Ashwin as he Mankads Buttler
I can’t believe what I’m seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that.
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) March 25, 2019
Ashwin playing within the rules but there is something called the spirit of the game? Did he warn Butler even once before Mankading him? First real debate of this @IPL
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) March 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/BenDuckett1/status/1110229830958747650?s=19
Jos Buttler has been Mankaded by Ravi Ashwin in the IPL.
No warning.
Not the first time it has happened to Buttler.— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) March 25, 2019
Average behaviour from R Ashwin in the @IPL
Is that really how you want to win a game of cricket??? #KXIPvRR— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) March 25, 2019
My lip reading isn't perfect but I'm PRETTY sure Jos Buttler said 'Ingenuous move, Ashwin; we should hang out more.' But I guess I COULD be wrong.
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) March 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/indiantweeter/status/1110230515389325312?s=19
https://twitter.com/BrooksyFerret/status/1110230327845421063?s=19
https://twitter.com/RobKeogh91/status/1110229946901905409?s=19
Well done Ashwin, superbly done! Should get Man of the Match just for that.
And if anyone criticises the Mankad of Buttler, they should read the rules. And history. This is the second time for Buttler. #RRvKXIP #IPL2019
— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) March 25, 2019
