Ravichandran Ashwin is the most discussed cricketer in the last 48 hours. As soon as he Mankaded Rajasthan Royals’ batsman Jos Buttler, everyone targeted him and his sportsmanship. The debate of whether his act was right or wrong has divided the whole cricket fraternity into two parts. Every cricket expert has their own take on this whole scenario.
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Rahul Dravid put his views on this Mankad dismissal. He mentioned Ashwin didn’t do anything wrong but he (Dravid) would have definitely opted to give a warning to the batsman before getting him out this way.
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Dravid is among the most decent players who have played the game. He was never seen losing his temper while on the field or sledging anyone. He believes what Ashwin did was so under the laws.
Talking to the Times of India (TOI), he said “It’s within the laws of the game and that’s pretty clear. So I don’t have a problem with someone deciding to do it. Ashwin was well within his rights to do what he did.”
“However, personally, I would prefer it if somebody warns someone first. That would be my personal choice, but I respect someone’s view to think differently. I might not agree with it necessarily, but I would just have to agree to disagree whether someone should run someone out without warning him.”
Several experts called Ashwin a disgrace for the game and targeted him for this whole saga. And Dravid feels these reactions have been overblown. Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne condemned Ashwin in harsh words on his social media platform.
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Dravid quoted “I think some of the reactions were overblown. Questioning Ashwin’s character because he did that is totally wrong. He has every right to his view. You might not agree with it, but it was well within his rights to do it and that does not make him a bad person.”
He further stated “Like I said, I would rather he had warned first, but if he chose not to do it, then that’s his interpretation and you can’t have an issue with that. It is not about being a gentleman or a non-gentleman. This is not a judgement on his character, but his reading of the law. He has not cheated anybody, nor is he a bad person because he did that.”
On back this controversial dismissal, Kings XI Punjab won the thrilling game against Rajasthan by 14 runs. KXIP’s next game is against Kolkata Knight Riders tonight at the Eden Gardens.
