XtraTime Web Desk: Team India off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out with an alternative for ‘Mankading’ mode of dismissal. The former Kings XI Punjab bowlers was involved in a ‘mankad’ incident when he ran out Butler during a Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Rajasthan Royals in 2019 season, sparking widespread criticism. The manner of the dismissal had created ripples across the cricketing fraternity and beyond, with many former greats of the game lambasting the Indian off-spinner for breaching the ‘spirit of the game’.
Recently, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting once again raised the issue by saying that he will have a conversation with Ashwin — who will be playing for the same franchise this season — about ‘mankading’.
The Tamil Nadu spinner has a suggestion for the heavily criticized ‘mankading’ dismissal which is permissible according to the laws of the game. According to Ashwin, if a batsman at the non-striker’s end is found getting out of the crease before the ball is delivered, the umpire can make it a free ball for the bowler.
“Make it a free ball for the bowler. If the batsman gets out of that ball, the batting team will be docked 5 runs. Free hit adds to the drama for a batter, let’s give a chance to the bowlers too,” Ashwin said in a tweet.
“As of now everyone watches the game hoping that ‘the bowlers will get smacked today’,” he added.
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