IPL 2019 | I take blame for no ball, says Ravichandran Ashwin

The Kolkata Knight Riders were put to bat by the Kings XI Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, in the sixth match of the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League. Things didn't turn out well for the Punjab side as their bowlers were taken for cleaners in the powerplay by Sunil Narine, who made a quickfire 24 off 9 balls. Nitish Rana also played a blistering knock of 63 in 24, while Robin Uthappa played the anchor’s role to perfection to finish with an unbeaten 67 off 50.

Nevertheless, the big moment came on the last delivery of the 17th over, when Mohammed Shami bowled a toe crushing yorker which went straight into the srumpsstumps, thereby dismissing the big hitting Andre Russell for four runs. However, the umpire signalled a no ball, sending a wave of shock to the Kings’ camp. There were only three fielders instead of four within the 30 yard circle, resulting in a no ball.

The West Indian made the most of the opportunity as he hammered three fours and five sixes in his next 11 deliveries, to finish at 48 off 17. This took the match away from the Punjab based franchise as KKR set a huge target of 219 for them, something which they failed to achieve, as they finished on 190/4 in their quota of 20 overs.

"We weren't really focussed on the small things and they do cost you big in this format. Yes, we definitely have to look at it next game. I'll take the blame (for the no-ball incident)," said Ashwin, in the post match presentation.

"I should have had a look at it. At that stage, with the slog on, you hope the fielders are switched on but obviously he (Varun Chakravarthy or Hardus Viljoen) was a debutant," he added.

The KXIP will take on Mumbai Indians on March 30 at Mohali in their next encounter.