The Kings XI Punjab's IPL win over the Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday has been overshadowed by a controversial dismissal that has caused an outcry among the cricketing community.
With a convincing 69 runs from just 43 ball, Royals batsman Jos Buttler seemed to be guiding his team to victory when he fell victim to a 'Mankad'.
Punjab’s captain Ravi Ashwin noticed Buttler backing up too far at the non-striker's end. Ashwin feigned a delivery, casually flicked the bails off the wickets at the bowler's end and made his appeal to the umpire, which sparked a fiery response from the Englishman.
The third umpire called it out and sent Buttler walking back to the pavilion, who was visibly furious as he departed.
His departure incited a collapse in the Royals batting order and they ultimately fell to a 14-run defeat.
The dismissal has prompted a string of responses from current and former cricketers on social media, who believe it goes against the spirit of the game.
"So disappointed in [Ashwin] as a captain & as a person," tweeted Australian great Shane Warne. "[Ashwin] had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball... This is 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."
"I can’t believe what I’m seeing!!" said England's Eoin Morgan. "Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that."
In 2017, cricket's law-makers adjusted the 'Mankad' rule to put more onus on the batsman to ensure they're not leaving their ground early, allowing bowlers to retain the ball in their hand for longer to attempt the dismissal.
Ashwin defended his actions immediately after the game, insisting he was well within his rights.
"It was very instinctive," he said. "It wasn't planned. It's there in the rules of the game.
"I don't know where the understanding of the spirit of the game comes because, quite naturally, it's there in the rules. So, probably the rules need to go back and be sorted."
The term 'Mankad' is derived from Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, who first used the tactic to dismiss an Australian batsman in 1947.
Newshub.
