IPL 2019 | Would it be okay if Ben Stokes did that to Virat Kohli, asks infuriated Shane Warne
Rajasthan Royals mentor Shane Warne has asked BCCI if they could turn a blind eye had Ben Stokes decided to mankad Virat Kohli after Ravichandran Ashwin did the same to Jos Buttler. The incident has divided the cricketing fraternity with some advocating for rule and others, sportsman spirit.
The Royals had to leave the ground infuriated on Monday after a narrow 14-run loss to Kings XI Punjab especially from a situation where the hosts looked to easily win the game. A well-settled Jos Buttler’s dismissal was pivotal to the outcome and the manner in which he got out has raised a huge cry. The English hard-hitter had left the crease even before Ashwin bowled and the Kings XI Punjab skipper decided to clip the bails.
After Buttler had an animated conversation with Ashwin before returning to the pavilion, coach Paddy Upton had criticized Ashwin stating that his action didn’t make his teammates proud. However, the most infuriated of the lot was visibly RR mentor Shane Warne, who released a series of tweets slamming the Indian off-spinner for his lack of sportsman spirit.
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
The KXIP team had a positive start to their IPL campaign after Chris Gayle started proceeding in a familiar fashion scoring 79 runs off 47 balls. While it helped Punjab post a target of 185, their bowlers started in the mist underwhelming manner possible with openers Ajinkya Rahane and Jos Buttler building a solid 78-run partnership.Â
Buttler had brought his half-century from 29 balls and was sitting comfortably on 69 runs off 43
Last point on the embarrassing & disgraceful act of @ashwinravi99 ! This win at all costs mentality has got to stop & the integrity of the game along with the spirit of the game must be of the most importance, as we need to set examples to the young boys & girls playing cricket !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
Ashwin has come under huge criticism from many former Indian players as well, who were all of the
Sorry - one more thing to add. If Ben Stokes did what Ashwin did to @imVkohli it would be ok ? I’m just very disappointed in Ashwin as I thought he had integrity & class. Kings lost a lot of supporters tonight. Especially young boys and girls ! I do hope the BCCI does something
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019