Ravichandran Ashwin Defends Controversial Run-Out of Jos Buttler
Ashwin Discusses the Buttler Run-Out Incident
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his thoughts on the contentious run-out of Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler from the non-striker's end. He expressed that despite the backlash regarding his character, he felt compelled to execute such a move even more and encouraged other bowlers to consider it as well.
The 2019 Controversy
During a match in 2019 between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin, who was playing for Punjab Kings at the time, ran out Buttler as he stepped out of his crease before the delivery. This incident sparked widespread debate about fair play and the spirit of cricket, eliciting mixed reactions on social media. While some fans argued that Ashwin acted within the rules, others believed he should have warned Buttler first.
Ashwin's Perspective on Winning
In a recent episode of 'The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience' on JioHotstar, he reflected on the incident, stating, "Many people discuss character and morality, labeling actions as wrong. However, after hearing such opinions, I felt even more inclined to do it, not to prove anything to anyone. During a match against Mumbai, I instructed my bowler to run out the non-striker, but he hesitated due to public opinion. If the ICC considered this an issue of integrity, it wouldn't be part of the rules."
Clarifying His Intentions
Ashwin emphasized that Buttler's early movement was not his concern, and he executed the run-out purely to secure a win. He stated, "If you need two runs off one ball and start running early, whose fault is that? People claim Buttler didn't attempt to run, but that's irrelevant to me. Yes, I did it to win, and I see no shame in that. After the run-out, I reassured my team that the public reaction would be negative, but I would manage the media, and our focus was on winning." Punjab Kings ultimately triumphed, defending a total of 185 runs and limiting Rajasthan Royals to 170/9.
Questioning Societal Norms
Ashwin further questioned why bowlers shy away from attempting non-striker run-outs, attributing it to societal pressure stemming from ongoing debates about its legitimacy. He remarked, "This issue arose when umpires began asking captains if they wanted to withdraw appeals. If you do, you are perceived as virtuous, which undermines the bowler's position. The decision to run out should rest with the bowler, while the umpire's role is to adjudicate. Why complicate the rules? Just like LBW, this is also a legitimate dismissal. Many cricketers have criticized this action, but I maintain that I acted within the laws of the game. Those who criticize me are engaging in character assassination, and I take pride in my actions. I will continue to support those who do the same."