Rajasthan Royals (RR) off-spinner R Ashwin has recently shared his views on the mankading mode of dismissal which made headlines in IPL 2019 when he removed Jos Buttler in an IPL game. However, he believes that it’s an individual’s choice whether one wants to do it or not. However, recently it has been legalised also. Notably, Ashwin baked himself when the “spirit of cricket” debates was raised earlier.
Talking about that in an interview with TOI, he said: “When the incident happened, I think it was Jos who felt deflated about it and quite upset. Rightly so, because it’s not accepted practice. It’s not something that happens day in and day out. I can totally understand that. We’ll have to wait and watch. But the pace at which the game is going, the professionals are evolving and how the players are perceiving the game, I just hope and wish that it is looked upon as a legitimate form of dismissal. But whether somebody chooses to do it, or not to do it, is entirely up to them and it’s not a question of character assassination.”
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Interestingly, Rajasthan Royals have bought him at the IPL 2022 mega auction and he is now in the same team along with Jos Buttler. While talking about that, Buttler stated that he has learned his lessons after that incident. While they bought Ashwin for ₹5 crores, Buttler was one of three players retained by them as well. RR will play against SRH in their season campaigner on March 29.
He said: “If the batter just holds his ground till the ball is released, then there’s never any issue. I’ve been run out that way twice in my career. So hopefully, I’ve learned my lesson now. It’s hard sometimes to describe the emotion. You’re trying hard for your team and you’re always desperate to win. Of course, it’s a surprise when you get out like that. It doesn’t bother me what people’s opinions are about it. If you just stay in the crease, then there’s never going to be a talking point.”
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The England wicketkeeper-batter again shared: “I am not someone holding grudges. I’m excited for the season ahead. I’m excited to have Ash on my team. He is someone who wants to win. And I want to play with the best players. One of the great things that the IPL has brought to cricket is lots of people mixing with each other from different countries and sharing different ideas and beliefs.”
