The 4th game of this IPL season raised numerous divided opinions regarding the ‘Mankading‘ incident.
Both teams, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab were playing their opening games at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Rajasthan Royals skipper, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Thanks to some excellent hitting by ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and right-handed batsman Sarfaraz Khan, KXIP scored 184/4 in their 20 overs. Chasing this, Rajasthan Royals had a fantastic start and at one point were cruising towards the target.
On the last ball on 13th over, KXIP captain Ashwin took the bails off once Buttler left the crease and appealed for run-out. The third-umpire was involved and Buttler had to return to the dugout.
Cricket fraternity and fans took to the Twitter platform to express their view regarding this controversy, with some disappointed arguing that it was not within the ‘Spirit of the game’.
Ashwin, that’s shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that.
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) March 25, 2019
How’s playing within the laws of the game ‘unfair’?? #RRvKXIP #IPL #Ashwin
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2019
Talking to media during the post-match conference, KXIP skipper Ashwin spoke about his thoughts about the whole incident.
“Look, it was very instinctive, on my part it was very instinctive and it was not planned or anything like that. It is there within the rules of the game.“, said Ashwin.
“I don’t know where the understanding of the spirit of the game comes because quite naturally if its there in the rules, it’s there. So probably the rules need to go back and be sorted“, he added.
"My actions were within cricket's rules, can't be called unsporting."
– @ashwinravi99 responds to accusations of him unfairly running out @josbuttler. #RRvKXIP #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/ygOmyGTzCL— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2019
The Rajasthan Royals team fell 14 runs short in their run-chase. Kings XI Punjab opener Chris Gayle was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant knock of 79 runs in 47 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes.
