Why People Suddenly Started Hating Ashwin: A Complex Controversy in Cricket
On a recent Monday evening during a match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, Ravichandran Ashwin, the captain of Kings XI Punjab, faced a significant backlash after a highly controversial run out of Jose Butler.
Why Do Some People Hate Ashwin?
In an era where the focus is heavily skewed towards batsmen, a bowler like Ashwin can receive both love and hate. There’s no substantial reason to hate Ashwin unless perceived as rude or self-obsessed. Ashwin has been India’s prime spinner in Test cricket for years and recently made a comeback to the T20 squad, proving his significance in the game.
The only blot in his career was the mankading incident during an IPL match, where he runned out Job Butler even before delivering a ball. While some argue this is against the spirit of the game, it is legally permitted. However, Ashwin may have some attitude and temper issues, but these are not valid reasons to hate him.
Highlighting Ashwin's Staggering Achievements
Despite his controversies, A Ravichandran Ashwin holds impressive statistics, including being the fastest Indian to take 50100150 test wickets. From 71 tests, he has secured 375 wickets. These numbers alone are impressive and testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
However, there is a perception that Ashwin's performances have not been as strong in the Subcontinent nations (SENA). Nonetheless, he remains a legend in the cricket fraternity. Even James Anderson, a renowned bowler, does not hold a particularly impressive record in Asia. This proves that Ashwin is a great player despite any shortcomings in specific regions.
The Controversial Mankading Incidents
What triggered the current controversy was Ashwin's controversial use of the mankading technique against Jos Buttler during the 2021 IPL season. The match was between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. Colombian Royals were batting with Jos Buttler, who was scoring at a remarkable pace and had reached 69 runs with a strike rate of 164! Ashwin then mankaded Buttler and completed the run out, turning the match in favor of KXI Punjab.
Mankading is a legally permissible method of run out where a bowler dismisses a non-striker by running them out before they have left their ground after the ball comes into play. Even though this is within the boundaries of the laws of the game, it is widely considered against the spirit of the game. Moreover, the particular incident in the IPL exacerbated the controversy due to the change in the match's outcome.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) emphasized that for a bowler to use the mankading technique, the non-striker must be out of their ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball. Mathew Hayden, the former Australian batsman, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Ashwin's action might have been a strategic delay to give Buttler a chance to leave his ground. This would clearly be against the spirit of the game.
The Debate on the Laws and Spirit of Cricket
The debate surrounding the mankading incident highlights the existing ambiguity in the laws of cricket. The laws are somewhat ambiguous in this context, leading to controversies like the one that Ashwin faced. It would be beneficial to introduce a one-time warning system for the non-striker if the bowler notices them stepping out early. If the non-striker does not correct their stance after such a warning, they could be given out. This would help maintain the balance between adhering to the rules and respecting the spirit of the game.
The incident with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in a 2012 ODI against Sri Lanka further illustrates the complexities involved. During this match, Ashwin mankaded Lahiru Thirimanne, but the legendary duo of Sehwag and Tendulkar chose not to uphold the appeal, showcasing a very different perspective on the matter.
IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla reinforced that Ashwin's action went against the spirit of the game, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. The captains of all teams, including Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, had previously held a meeting with match referees to decide against the controversial practice.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Ashwin highlights the complexities and nuances in cricket, where the laws and the spirit of the game can sometimes conflict. While statute and rules are vital, the true essence of the game requires a balance that respects the traditions and values of the sport.
It's important to recognize that Ashwin, while flawed, remains an important player in cricket. His achievements cannot be overlooked, and as the sport continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and application of the laws and the spirit of the game.