In a dramatic turn of events during the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin found himself at the center of a controversy that has since gone viral. Known for his vocal advocacy of the ‘Mankad’ dismissal, Ashwin was ironically on the receiving end of a Mankad warning during a match against the Nellai Royal Kings. The incident has sparked widespread debate and social media frenzy, with Ashwin’s response adding fuel to the fire.
SOURCE : ZEE
The controversy unfolded during the 15th over of the first innings when Ashwin, playing for the Dindigul Dragons, was at the non-striker’s end. Left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath, noticing Ashwin straying out of his crease prematurely, paused his run-up and issued a Mankad warning. Replays showed that Ashwin’s bat had momentarily slipped out of the popping crease just as Prasath halted his delivery stride.
Source:- BBC news
This incident immediately caught the attention of commentators and spectators, many of whom found the situation ironic given Ashwin’s history with the controversial dismissal. The term ‘Mankad’ refers to the act of a bowler running out the non-striker if they leave their crease before the ball is delivered, a practice that Ashwin has both executed and defended in the past.
A day after the incident, Ashwin took to social media to defend his actions and clarify his stance. He posted a screenshot of Law 38.3 of the MCC’s Laws of Cricket, which pertains to the non-striker leaving their ground early. Ashwin highlighted that according to the law, a non-striker is liable to be run out from the moment the ball comes into play until the bowler is expected to release the ball.
In his tweet, Ashwin wrote, “Cos they don’t know the rule,” referring to the commentators who, in his view, overlooked this crucial nuance during the match commentary³. He further elaborated that he was within his rights to be out of the crease until the bowler reached the highest point of his delivery swing, a clarification introduced in January 2023 following a similar incident in the Big Bash League
The incident and Ashwin’s subsequent defense have ignited a social media storm. Fans and cricket enthusiasts have taken to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their opinions. Some have supported Ashwin, arguing that he was merely adhering to the rules, while others have criticized him, suggesting that he was bending the laws to his advantage.
One user tweeted, “Ashwin knows the rules better than anyone. He was right to defend himself. The commentators should do their homework!” Another commented, “This is classic Ashwin. Always pushing the boundaries of the game. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him”
The irony of the situation has not been lost on the cricketing community. Ashwin has been a staunch advocate of the Mankad dismissal, famously running out Jos Buttler in an IPL match in 2019, which led to widespread debate about the spirit of the game. Critics have often accused Ashwin of being too rigid in his interpretation of the rules, while supporters argue that he is simply playing within the laws of cricket
Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, saying, “Ashwin is a master of the rules. He knows exactly what he’s doing. The Mankad is a legitimate dismissal, and if the non-striker is out of their crease, they should be prepared to face the consequences”
This incident has once again brought the Mankad dismissal into the spotlight, raising questions about its place in modern cricket. While the MCC has clarified the rules, the debate about the spirit of the game versus the letter of the law continues. Some argue that the Mankad is an essential part of the game that keeps non-strikers honest, while others believe it goes against the spirit of fair play
Ashwin’s involvement in this controversy highlights the ongoing tension between traditionalists and modernists in cricket. As the game evolves, so too do the interpretations of its rules, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining the balance between competitive integrity and sportsmanship
As the TNPL 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on Ashwin and how he navigates the remainder of the tournament. His strategic acumen and deep understanding of the game’s laws make him a formidable player, but they also place him under intense scrutiny. Whether this incident will affect his performance or his standing in the cricketing community remains to be seen.
Away from the TNPL drama, Ashwin’s absence from India’s ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka has been notable. As India gears up for the third T20I clash in Pallekele and the subsequent ODI series, Ashwin’s focus remains on a potential return to the Test squad for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. His strategic acumen and bowling prowess continue to be assets eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike.
The Mankad warning controversy involving Ravichandran Ashwin in the TNPL 2024 has reignited the debate about one of cricket’s most contentious dismissals. Ashwin’s response and the subsequent social media frenzy underscore the complexities and nuances of the game’s laws. As the cricketing world watches closely, this incident serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the ongoing dialogue about its rules and spirit.
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