Published: Jan 19, 2024, 05:04 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 19, 2024, 05:04 PM (IST)
The third T20 International between Afghanistan and India had a lot of drama, controversy, and memorable moments on the pitch. India skipper Rohit Sharma became enraged with Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi during the first Super Over of the game after he chose to take an extra double after wicket-keeper Sanju Samson’s throw struck and rebounded off him. When Nabi used the deflected throw to his advantage and brought up the sportsmanship aspect, Rohit was not pleased. Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, though, has an interesting perspective on the situation.
Unofficially dubbed the guardian of sportsmanship in the game, Ashwin has frequently sided with the regulations, particularly with regard to the non-striker’s run-out.
But this time, Ashwin presented all sides of the argument while donning the cap of an Indian fan.
“There are two sides to this story. If we are the affected party on the field, we will get very irritated with whatever happens. We would say we might not have done this if we were on the field. That is our personal opinion and view,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“As an Indian cricket fan I can say this – tomorrow, if we are facing a Super Over in a World Cup knockout match, it is two runs to win off one ball and the wicketkeeper’s throw deflects off our glove, we will also run. How can a player not run?,” he added.
Ashwin, who studies the game extensively, believes the hitter did not err by taking those additional few runs. He compared the much-discussed event in the third Twenty20 International to the circumstance where a hitter receives leg byes or byes while facing a bowler.
“A simple explanation for this will suffice. A bowler is bowling just to pick your wicket. If you hit that ball then you can score a run. When the ball hits the pads, it’s a leg bye. When it doesn’t meet your body, and the keeper leaves it, it is a bye. When the ball goes wide off the crease, it is wide. When the bowler outstretches the leg, it is no-ball. All these happens when the bowler is trying to take someone’s wicket and the run comes off the delivery. In the same way, when a fielder throws, why do they do it? To get you run out I am running, that throw deflects off me, I am within my right to run. Spirit of cricket? Yet again, I’m sorry,” he said.
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