Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on a run-out incident during the first ODI battle between India and Sri Lanka at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Batting first, the Men in Blues put up a mammoth total of 373 for the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with 113 off 87 balls.
In reply, Sri Lanka failed to chase the set target and faced a 67-run defeat. Skipper Dasun Shanaka, who scored 108 (88), was the lone warrior for the Islanders.
During Shanka’s fantastic inning, a surprising incident took place. In the final over of the match, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami stopped mid-way of his run-up to dislodge the bails at the non-striker’s end after catching Shanka leaving the crease early. When the incident occurred, the 31-year-old was batting on 98. Shami appealed to the umpire, but India captain Rohit Sharma withdrew the fast bowler’s call.
If the decision was sent upstairs, Shanaka might’ve been given out as he was way outside his crease.
Rohit had spoken about the run-out attempt in the post-match presentation. While talking to Murali Kartik, he stated that this wasn’t the way his team thought of dismissing Shanaka.
Now reacting to the controversy, Indian spinner Ashwin said that umpire should’ve given the batter out.
“See, even if one fielder appeals, it is the duty of the umpire to declare a player out if he is out. So, I find it very surprising to have so many taboos surrounding this mode of dismissal. But the entire dismissal is regarding what the bowler does, right? The right of making that dismissal or making that appeal or making that decision lies with the bowler, right,” said Ashwin on his official YouTube channel.
“In so many games, a batter has nicked and walked without waiting for the umpire’s decision. At that time, the batting team captain won’t come and ask, ‘With whose permission did you walk like that? Did you forget the team’s cause? Go back and continue playing. These different treatments for bowlers and batters have been taking place for so many years now,” he added.
