IPL 2019 | Ravichandran Ashwin says he does not regret mankading Jos Buttler

Ravichandran Ashwin has started off a huge debate when he dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end during his run-up to the crease in the 13th over of Rajasthan Royal's innings. Jos Butler, who was at 69 off 43, had left the crease before the ball had left the spinner’s hand, and was adjudged out, much to his dismay. The two players also had a heated exchange of words after the dismissal, which pretty much changed the course of the match.

“Mankading”, named after former India batsman Vinoo Mankad, is well within the rules of the game, but most experts are of the opinion that it is against the spirit of the game. However, the 32-year-old has justified his actions advising the batsman to be watchful.

"No real argument on that and it was pretty instinctive. I didn't even load and he just left the crease. We ended on the right side of the coin, but I definitely think that those are game-changing moments and batsmen need to be wary of it," said Ashwin, at the post-match presentation.

He also stated that his act was not preplanned and there is no question of the spirit of the game if it is within the rules.

"It was instinctive. It wasn't planned. I don't know where the spirit of the game things comes because if it's within the rules, it is. I don't understand the point of sporting spirit because it is within the rules," the former ICC Cricketer of the year added, as reported by India Today.

The Jaipur-based franchise’s captain Ajinkya Rahane has also refused to comment on the incident leaving the decision to the match referee. The Kings had set a target of 185 for the Royals, courtesy of some big hitting from Chris Gayle who had smacked 79 off 47, before Sarfaraz Khan gave the finishing touch with an unbeaten 46 off 29.

The inaugural IPL champions were well on course to win the match before Jos Buttler’s dismissal, which was followed by Steven Smith’s dismissal owing to a very athletic catch from KL Rahul. Eventually, some haphazard batting by the Royals ensured that the Kings win the match by 14 runs.

The Punjab skipper also did not fail to acknowledge their bowlers’ efforts in the latter half of the innings, which swung the match back to their favour. Sam Curran, who had leaked 48 runs of his first three overs, scalped two crucial wickets and only gave four runs in his penultimate over. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and the skipper himself bowled well to end up with two wickets and one wicket, respectively. 

"We all know that after six overs it is going to slow down. Credit to bowlers on how they bowled. I have been working on a lot of variations, pretty happy that it came out," he signed off.