IPL 2021: Ravichandran Ashwin tweets his version on the much debated altercation with Eoin Morgan

Xtra Time Web Desk: Delhi Capitals and Team India off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday took to Twitter to share his version on the heated altercation he had with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan during Tuesday’s IPL 2021 match at Sharjah. Ashwin was involved in a heated exchange of words with Morgan after he was dismissed by KKR’s Tim Southee.

Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant and Ashwin picked a second run off the last ball of the 19th over as the ball ricocheted off Pant. The incident irked KKR skipper Morgan and seemed to have said something to Ashwin which did not go down well with the  off spinner as he turned back. Tim Southee too joined Morgan. Seeing the situation get out of control KKR wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik intervened.  

Later in the match, Ashwin dismissed Morgan for a second-ball duck and celebrated the wicket animatedly. However, KKR had the last laugh as they won the match by three wickets.

Ashwin wrote a long post in a twitter thread to give his take on the entire episode and the ensuing debate about the ‘spirit of cricket’.

1. I turned to run the moment I saw the fielder throw and dint know the ball had hit Rishabh.
2. Will I run if I see it!?
Of course I will and I am allowed to.
3. Am I a disgrace like Morgan said I was?
Of course NOT.

— Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

He also weighed in on what he thought about the ‘Cricket is a gentleman’s game’ discourse.

4. Did I fight?
No, I stood up for myself and that’s what my teachers and parents taught me to do and pls teach your children to stand up for themselves.
In Morgan or Southee’s world of cricket they can choose and stick to what they believe is right or wrong but do not have the

— Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career

— Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

Give your heart and soul on the field and play within the rules of the game and shake your hands once the game is over.

The above is the only ‘spirit of the game’ I understand.

— Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021