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[Saba Sports News] In the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Ravichandran Ashwin, leading the Punjab Kings, became the center of attention following a highly debated incident during a match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The controversy unfolded as Jos Buttler, who was in exceptional form scoring 69 runs from 43 balls, was run out by Ashwin at the non-striker’s end before the ball was bowled, a moment that significantly shifted the match’s momentum in favor of Punjab Kings and led to Rajasthan Royals’ downfall.
Reflecting on the incident years later, Ashwin shared his perspective on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. He described his team’s initial reaction as one of surprise and confusion, prompting him to gather them for a huddle. Ashwin’s strategy was to emphasize the psychological advantage they had gained, suggesting that the discomfort Buttler felt was an opportunity for them to capitalize on the situation. He reassured his team that he would handle any backlash from the media, urging them to focus on winning the game.
“My team was flabbergasted, they were just looking at one another because I was the captain for the game. They are just looking at me, and I just called them into a huddle and said, ‘You know what, cricket is a game where people are mostly afraid of being uncomfortable, and now Jos is uncomfortable and probably bashing me,’” Ashwin said at the Club Prairie Fire podcast. “I know the people are gonna be angry and anger brings about a lot of mental outbreaks, and they are not going to think straight, I told them whatever it is, I will take the media on because it is my job, let’s now win this game,” he added.
Five years since the Mankad incident, Ashwin’s career in the IPL has continued to flourish. In an interesting turn of events, he now plays for the Rajasthan Royals, the very team affected by his controversial decision in 2019. Since joining the Royals in 2022, Ashwin has become a key player for the team, demonstrating the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the IPL.