Kings XI Punjab might have built a concrete start in the Indian Premier League 2019 with a victory over Rajasthan Royals, but no one couldn’t get over with R Ashwin’s decision to Mankad Jos Buttler.
The incident drew flakes from every corner not only from fans, but also from cricket pundits and even Indian cricket council BCCI.
The Royals brand ambassador and former Royals skipper Shane Warne asked about the spirit of game Ashwin’s action. Warne said he was “so disappointed in Ashwin as a captain and as a person. All captains sign the IPL wall and 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.”
He also sought attention from BCCI, “Over to you BCCI – this a not a good look for the IPL.”
Meanwhile, a senior BCCI official said that the Kings XI skipper should have maintained decorum, while accusing the match officials for “failing in their duty with the handling of this issue.”
The BCCI official said such dismissal is “similar to back-stabbing”, and that is why it will always be criticized.
Rubbishing Ashwin’s statement that he ‘Mankaded’ Buttler “instinctively”, Indian spin great Erapalli Prasanna said he was lying and should have cautioned the batsman. He said the spinner was feeling guilty and was trying to cover up.
