Ravi Ashwin ‘mankads’ Jos Buttler during T20 League match: Twitter goes wild

The Indian T20 League match between Rajasthan and Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday turned out to be highly controversial for Ravichandran Ashwin’s bizarre move in the 13^th over of the Rajasthan run-chase. (Rajasthan vs Punjab: Highlights)

The Tamil Nadu offspinner and Jos Buttler were engaged in a heated argument after the India international ‘Mankaded’ the Englishmen. Ashwin, sensing that Buttler was backing up too far, paused during his action and whipped the bails off that left the wicketkeeper-batsman stunned and livid by the Punjab captain’s actions during his departure. (ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan, Jofra Archer slam R Ashwin’s ‘mankad’ dismissal of Jos Buttler)

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The decision was referred upstairs and the third umpire ruled it out which saw Buttler depart for 69. Rajasthan lost the plot after his dismissal.  From 148 for two, they slumped to 164 for nine, as Sam Curran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman kept their cool while bowling. The duo was backed up by some fine fielding as well as Punjab breached the fortress to win their first match by 14 runs.

The Mankad dismissal triggered an outrage on social media. While many agreed the Ashwin’s move was well within the laws of the game, other argued that it went against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’.

Last point on the embarrassing & disgraceful act of @ashwinravi99 ! This win at all costs mentality has got to stop & the integrity of the game along with the spirit of the game must be of the most importance, as we need to set examples to the young boys & girls playing cricket !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

"My actions were within cricket's rules, can't be called unsporting."
– @ashwinravi99 responds to accusations of him unfairly running out @josbuttler. #RRvKXIP #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/ygOmyGTzCL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2019

Well the fair play award isn’t going to Mohali this year….

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) March 25, 2019

Buttler was still in his crease when Ashwin was in his delivery stride! He wasn’t trying to gain an advantage! He was literally walking in with the bowler… #Ashwin #IPL #Buttler

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) March 25, 2019

He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019

What an absolute disgrace! @josbuttler spitting tacs and rightfully so!!! #RRvsKXIP

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 25, 2019

I can’t believe what I’m seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that.

— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) March 25, 2019

If @josbuttler had been warned well that’s fine … if he hasn’t and it’s the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order … watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2019

Ashwin, that’s shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that.

— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) March 25, 2019

It’s within the laws of the game but Jos Butler should have been warned by Ashwin before that. Very Surprised ! Remember Ashwin doing the same in an international game where Sehwag withdrew the appeal.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 25, 2019

I support every bowler who does it.Whether that bowler is English or from the Arctic,since every1 is justifying the non striker,might as well they stand at the half way mark of the pitch before the ball is released,can't ratify wrong just coz batsmen hav been doing it 4 too long https://t.co/uZC6DjuYMO

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) March 26, 2019

The Law 41.16 states about the ball must be released before a non striker can leave his ground.. legally.

So it’s pretty easy to understand to all batsmen isn’t it? #simple

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) March 25, 2019

Hahahaahaha Ashwin u little Rippa Hahahaha 🤣🤣🤣 this is historic only way to get him out 🤷🏾‍♂️ well I’ll take it hahahahaha Ashwin , Ppl need to know it’s the rules and until it’s change guys will do it , but Jos stealing as well getting a head start for a run 🤷🏾‍♂️ #IPL2019

— Tino95 (@tinobest) March 25, 2019

Feel sad for #JosButtler. Hope this rule changes to give a compulsory warning first, before a bowler can go for #mankading #VivoIPL #RRvKXIP #SpiritOfTheGame!

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) March 25, 2019

Does a bowler get a warning for overstepping the mark? NO BALL every time. Batsmen get a free hit and the advantage of umpire going to DRS for no ball on dismissal. Stay in your crease or you'll be greased. Bravo!#luvthisgame #cricket #fairplay #evolving #sportsmanship https://t.co/DyOSvFXVrL

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) March 26, 2019