Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has cheekily offered congratulation to the veteran Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin after Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced updates in the existing laws of the game. In order to destigmatize the run-outs at the non-striker’s end before the ball is delivered, which is also known as ‘Mankading’, MCC has moved the controversial mode of dismissal from Law 41 to Law 38.

Under Law 41, this mode of dismissal was earlier categorized under ‘unfair play’. As MCC came up with a change in the law, Virender Sehwag saw it as an opportunity to take a dig at the off-spinner.  Notably, Ashwin infamously dismissed Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler through this mode of dismissal in IPL 2019, and it left the cricketing fraternity divided.

ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja Reaches Numero Uno Position In The ICC Rankings

While many backed Ashwin’s tactics, several raised their voice against his actions. Regardless of the criticism, R Ashwin stood his ground and now he seems to have been pretty pleased with MCC’s decision. Sehwag didn’t miss out on highlighting the same as he came up with a cheeky post.

While congratulating the Tamil Nadu cricketer for becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Sehwag also asked him to plot more such run-outs alongside Jos Buttler.

ALSO READ: R Ashwin Reveals Rohit Sharma Wanted Jadeja To Score A Double Century

Notably, Ashwin will be playing alongside Jos Buttler in IPL 2022 as he has been picked by Rajasthan Royals. Taking a dig at the spinner, Virender Sehwag said, “Congratulations @ashwinravi99, great week this one. First becoming second highest wicket-taker in Tests for India, and now this. Ab full freedom (Now you have complete freedom) to plot such run-outs with Buttler. Ek karna zaroor (Be sure to do one)”.

Congratulations @ashwinravi99, great week this one. First becoming second highest wicket taker in Tests for India, and now this. Ab full freedom to plot such run-outs with Buttler.
Ek karna zaroor 😊 https://t.co/oCjfYdr6nr

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 9, 2022

Speaking of the change in law, MCC’s new norm states: “Law 41.16 – running out the non-striker – has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same.”

Describing the change, MCC Laws Manager Fraser Stewart said, “The bowler is always painted as the villain but it is a legitimate way to dismiss someone and it is the non-striker who is stealing the ground. It is legitimate, it is a run-out and therefore it should live in the run-out section of the laws.”