IPL 2019: Rajasthan Royals Vs Kings XI Punjab: R Ashwin sparks controversy as he Mankads Jos Buttler

IPL 2019: R Ashwin sparks controversy as he Mankads Jos Buttler: Twitterati term it against spirit of the game — Image Courtesy: BCCI

New Delhi, March 25: Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin triggered a massive controversy after Mankadding Rajasthan Royals' opener Jos Buttler during their opening encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 here on Monday (March 25).

Watching dangerous-looking Buttler going outside the non-striker's crease, Ashwin dislodged the bails and appealed the umpire. The umpire went upstairs and the third umpire ruled in the favour of the fielding side.

IPL 2019 Special Site | IPL Full Schedule | RR vs KXIP: As it happened

Buttler - who was batting on 69 - seemed livid with Ashwin's behaviour which many found was against the 'spirit of the game'. KXIP eventually ended up winning the match by 14 runs to record their first-ever win against Royals at this venue, but Ashwin's move was seen in bad taste.

Although Ashwin was well within his rights to effect the run-out, experts and cricket fans felt the India cricketer shouldn't have done what he did.

"Not really an argument to that (Mankading Buttler) and it's pretty instinctive. I actually didn't load and he left the crease. That's always been my take on it because it's my half of the crease. I was not even at the crease, he wasn't even looking at me and he just left the place," said Ashwin after KXIP won the match by a margin of 14 runs.

Here's how Twitterati reacted on this issue:

I can’t believe what I’m seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that.
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) March 25, 2019

Eoin Morgan

This is how England captain Eoin Morgan - who has played for Kings XI Punjab in the past - said after Ashwin Mankaded well set Jos Buttler.

Oh hell! Ashwin's run Butler out for backing up too far. Within the laws, but outside the spirt of the game. Unless the batsman had been cautioned earlier. We'll know about that later. For now, Punjab get coveted breakthru and the IPL its first major controversy this season
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 25, 2019

Ayaz Menon

This is what veteran commentator Ayaz Menon had to say after Ashwin Mankaded Buttler. He termed the move against the 'spirit of the game'.

Surprising to see its only the English people crying foul.. MCC IS IN YOUR COUNTRY.. Go change it.. Batsman warned or not warned David are not supposed to leave the crease.. Don't vindicate STEALING as that's what it is plain and simple.. Keep crying till the cows come home https://t.co/OD6u7WRiYZ
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) March 25, 2019

Murali Karthik

Former India cricketer Murali Karthik criticised those questioning Ravichandran Ashwin for bringing disrepute to the spirit of the game.

He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019

Dale Steyn

This is how veteran South Africa pacer Dale Steyn reacted to Ashwin's act.

Looking forward to the press conference with Hess, a coach who built his reign with NZ on playing cricket in the right spirit...
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 25, 2019

Mitchell McClenaghan

This is what New Zealand and Mumbai Indians' pacer Mitchell McClenaghan had to say.

No deliberate attempt to steal some ground from @josbuttler If @ashwinravi99 didn’t stop, turn then take the bails off he wouldn’t have left his crease!! Disgraceful decision!!! Fair play award certainly isn’t going to Mohali 😂#IPLT20 #ipl
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) March 25, 2019

Paul Collingwood

This is what former England captain Paul Collingwood had to say on this issue.

Law is above The Mythical Spirit of The Game. Don’t fret. Don’t frown. #Ashwin #Buttler #RRvKXIP #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2019

Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra came in support of R Ashwin and termed the KXIP captain was well within his right to Mankad Buttler.

If @josbuttler had been warned well that’s fine ... if he hasn’t and it’s the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order ... watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2019

Michael Vaughan

This is how former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted.

It’s within the laws of the game but Jos Butler should have been warned by Ashwin before that. Very Surprised ! Remember Ashwin doing the same in an international game where Sehwag withdrew the appeal.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 25, 2019

Mohammed Kaif

This is what former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif had to say on Ashwin's move.

So disappointed in @ashwinravi99 as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the #IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the #IPL
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

Shane Warne

Former Australia cricketer and Rajasthan Royals mentor criticised R Ashwin for his behaviour.

But then Scotty, an ICC panel umpire interpreted it as out. That makes it no different to any other decision. The bowler did what he thought was right but it was eventually adjudged out by the umpires.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2019

Scott Styris and Harsha Bhogle

This is what former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris and veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle said on Ashwin's act.

Earlier, Chris Gayle struck a belligerent half-century to guide KXIP to a challenging 184 for four at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Opening the innings, Gayle started in an uncharacteristic fashion but grew in confidence as the innings progressed. He scored 79 off 47 balls and hit eight boundaries and four sixes in the process.

Besides Gayle, young Sarfaraz Khan (46 not out off 29 balls) also played a good hand.