‘Disgraceful’: Ravichandran Ashwin cops backlash for controversial move in IPL clash

Cricket superstar Ravichandran Ashwin is once again copping backlash for “disgraceful” behaviour in the Indian Premier League.

Delhi Capitals spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has once again copped backlash for a controversial move in the Indian Premier League, which Australian cricket legend Shane Warne branded as “disgraceful”.

Ashwin dominated headlines in 2019 for running out England batter Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end in an IPL match, and the 35-year-old has found himself embroiled in another on-field clash.

Watch Every Match of the VIVO IPL 2021 Season Live with FOX SPORTS on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

In the 19th over of Delhi’s innings at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, Ashwin and teammate Rishabh Pant sprinted through for an extra run after a throw at the stumps ricocheted off the wicketkeeper’s arm.

Kolkata Knight Riders seamer Tim Southee dismissed Ashwin the following over, and gave the Indian spinner a gobful on his way back to the pavilion.

Kolkata wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik needed to intervene when skipper Eoin Morgan and Ashwin then had a fierce exchange on the pitch.

Although Ashwin’s actions technically abided by the Laws of Cricket, it’s an unspoken rule that batters should not attempt runs after the ball ricochets off their body.

Speaking in commentary, former New Zealand speedster Simon Doull said the Capitals pair “really shouldn’t have run for that”, while former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar agreed that “generally batsmen don’t run if the ball hits them”.

Ashwin would soon get his revenge, removing Morgan for a duck in the run chase and giving the opposition captain a send-off.

Delhi Capitals spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Eoin Morgan for a duck.

Karthik discussed the incident after the match: “I do not think Morgan appreciates that he is someone when the ball hits the batter, he expects them not to run because of the spirit of cricket.

“It is a very grey area, a very interesting topic. I have my own opinion on it, but I can just say I am happy to play peacemaker.”

Warne voiced his anger on social media on Wednesday evening: “The world shouldn’t be divided on this topic and Ashwin. It’s pretty simple – it’s disgraceful & should never happen. Why does Ashwin have to be that guy again? I think (Morgan) had every right to nail him.”

IPL is watched diligently by young people in their formative age. Aggressiveness is all good, but it would be nice to see senior players show some grace in the spirit of the game. Yesterday for a while #KKRvDC looked more like BiggBoss than cricket.#ashwin#morgan#southee#DKpic.twitter.com/HJCUV9WR8z

— Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) September 29, 2021

That nonsensical Spirit of Cricket thing to exactly what it is, has been, and will be a hollow joke with roots in elitist snobbery.

Kudos to Pant and Ashwin for crushing that yet again.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@SachinAzharCT) (@ovshake42) September 29, 2021

Kolkata ultimately secured a three-wicket victory to keep their finals hopes alive, chasing the modest 128-run target with 10 balls to spare.

Indian batter Nitish Rana top-scored with a quick-fire 36, while Australia’s Steve Smith cracked 39 in the first innings.

Morgan told reporters after the match: “Both sides played the game hard. On a hot day, things can boil over. Thankfully it didn‘t. We all played in the right spirit.

“And it’s a tough contest against Delhi Capitals. Full credit has to go to our coach Brendon McCullum. It’s his ethos, his mindset, and the boys have bought into that.”

Delhi will next face the Mumbai Indians on Saturday, while the Knight Riders will take on the Punjab Kings later that day.

Originally published as ‘Disgraceful’: Ravichandran Ashwin cops backlash for controversial move in IPL clash