Xtra Time Web Desk: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has supported the action of Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin when he decided against ‘Browning’ Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Aaron Finch, who backed up too far at the non strikers end. Later the off spinner took to twitter to give his final warning to every batsman playing in the ongoing IPL 2020 not to back up too far at the bowler’s end while he is bowling.
The Browning controversy was revived again in the ongoing IPL 2020 after it grabbed a lot attention in the last season when Ashwin while playing for Kings XI Punjab ‘Browned’ Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler during an IPL 2019 fixture with many criticizing the veteran cricketer for the move.
Former England cricketer turned commentator Kevin Pietersen has come forward in support of Ashwin.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s podcast ‘Following On’, Pietersen said: “‘You’ve got 10-year-olds thinking about the Mankad. Apparently it’s in the manuals now to be taught and to be allowed. ‘It was frowned upon when we played and it wasn’t the thing to do.”
He further added, “(But) seeing how far down the wicket Aaron Finch was, almost stealing two metres before Ashwin bowBut when you see how far down the wicket Aaron Finch was… he was almost stealing two metres before Ashwin bowled the ball. I think what Ravi Ashwin did was perfect. Finch, get back in your crease, don’t steal runs.”
Pietersen also pointed out that the game has become very competitive with very fine margins nowadays and people win and lose contracts on the basis of results since there is a lot of money involved, so batsmen on the non-striking end must wind their necks and adhere to the rules.
He further went on to explain, “These games are coming down to fine margins, really fine margins. There’s a lot of money involved and people are getting and losing contracts based on results. [Batsmen] need to wind their neck in and play by the rules. Watching Ravi Aswhin, 12 months ago I would have said, “come on mate, no no no”.”
Pietersen signed off by saying, “But having thought about it over the last 12 months, it was absolutely perfect what Ashwin did. I’m all for the fact that he warned the guy and made everyone very aware that he’s been warned, and it he does it again, then he has to go I’m afraid.”