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Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most decorated all-rounders, found himself at the center of controversy during a high-voltage Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 clash between Dindigul Dragons and IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans. The veteran, who recently endured a tough IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, returned to lead Dindigul but saw his outing marred by a contentious LBW decision that sparked a heated on-field exchange and set social media abuzz
Ravichandran Ashwin’s frustration boils over a female umpire after his LBW dismissal
Opening the batting for Dindigul Dragons after losing the toss, Ashwin looked determined to set the tone. However, his innings was cut short at 18 runs when his opposite number, R Sai Kishore, trapped him in front on the fifth ball of the fifth over. The on-field umpire, Krithika Venkatesen, raised her finger instantly, but Ashwin was convinced the ball had pitched outside leg stump—a key factor that should have ruled out an LBW dismissal.
Ashwin’s immediate reaction was one of disbelief and frustration. He strode purposefully towards umpire Krithika, animatedly gesturing and arguing his case. “He bowled from over the stumps, ma’am,” Ashwin was heard saying, insisting the delivery had landed outside the leg stump. The umpire, however, stood firm and turned away, unmoved by the protest. With both DRS reviews already exhausted—one controversially used for a wide earlier in the innings—Ashwin had no recourse but to accept the decision. Visibly livid, he stormed off, slamming his bat against his pads in anger, a moment that was quickly captured and circulated widely online.
Here’s the video:
Ash அண்ணா Not Happy அண்ணாச்சி! 😶🌫
📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | TNPL 2025 | iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Dindigul Dragons | Star Sports தமிழில் #TNPLOnJioStar #TNPL #TNPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Csc2ldnRS3
— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) June 8, 2025
Also READ: TNPL 2025 Squads: Here’s the complete list of players participating in season 9
Ashwin umpire spat overshadows Dindigul Dragons’ collapse in TNPL 2025 game
Ashwin’s dismissal proved to be the tipping point for the Dragons. The team’s batting crumbled, managing only 93 runs in 16.2 overs, with only three players reaching double digits. Tiruppur’s bowlers, led by Esakkimuthu’s four-wicket haul and Sai Kishore’s double strike, dominated proceedings. In reply, Tiruppur chased down the modest target with ease, as wicketkeeper-batter Tushar Raheja’s unbeaten 65 powered them to a nine-wicket victory with 49 balls to spare.
The incident not only highlighted the pressure and scrutiny on senior players like Ashwin, especially after a lackluster IPL stint, but also brought attention to the challenges faced by umpires—particularly women—in high-stakes men’s cricket. While replay footage appeared to support Ashwin’s claim that the ball pitched outside leg stump, the umpire’s decision stood, sparking debate among fans and pundits about player conduct and the importance of respecting on-field officials.
Ashwin’s outburst, though rooted in competitive passion, has reignited discussions about sportsmanship and the evolving dynamics between players and umpires in the modern game. For Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, the episode is a reminder of cricket’s emotional highs and lows—and the fine margins that can define a match, or a moment, in the sport’s ever-unfolding drama.
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