IPL 2019: Should Ashwin be blamed for 'Mankading' Buttler?
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) skipper Ravichandran Ashwin 'Mankaded' Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Jos Buttler in match number four of the IPL 2019 in Jaipur on Monday, as the visitors won by 14 runs. While it was the turning point of the match, there was a widespread debate as to what Ashwin did is against 'the spirit of the game'. Let us analyze.
Ashwin's 'Mankading' of Buttler changed game in favor of KXIP
It all happened during the 13th over, while Ashwin was on his run-up to bowl to Sanju Samson, when Buttler left his crease at the non-striker's end, even before Ashwin had released the delivery. Ashwin didn't complete his delivery and promptly noted action of Buttler to clip the bails. The umpire referred it upstairs, where the third umpire, after reviewing it, declared Buttler out.
Mankading Law: 41.16.1 (as per MCC and ICC rulebook)
If the non-striker is out of his/her ground at any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler normally would have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be run out.
Was the act against the spirit?
Analyzing further, it's tough to say why Ashwin did it, but he did actually play by the rules. Although it may seem that what he did was unethical, it was instinctive. Moreover, one cannot blame a player for playing by the rulebook to make his/her team win. Maybe, it's against the SOTG, but it's the harsh truth and reality Buttler has to live with.
'Mankading' was instinctive
Speaking on the incident, Ashwin said, "No real argument to that, and it's pretty instinctive. I actually didn't load and he left the crease. That's always been my take on it because it's my half of the crease. I was not even at the crease."
The law itself was made keeping in mind game's spirit
Going by game's spirit, the batsmen should be warned initially
Judging by the current situation, the law is perfect considering the gameplay, or else it would put the non-striker at a huge advantage. However, if the game's spirit has to be taken into consideration, it should be noted that the umpires should warn the batsman on the first instance. Following the warning, if the batsman violates the rule again, he should be declared out.
This user nails the subject of morality
Should game's spirit be kept in mind while law formulation?
As Bhogle said above that the law was designed keeping in mind the SOTG, the MCC and ICC could have a further look at the law. If it is felt that the law indeed is against the SOTG, there is no point framing the law which is considered immoral or unethical. As per the author, Ashwin was right to stand his ground on this.
