R Ashwin continues to stand his ground over controversial Jos Buttler 'Mankad' dismissal: 'I did it to win'

Former India cricketer R Ashwin reiterated his stance on the controversial Jos Buttler 'Mankad' dismissal, insisting he was well within the laws of the game to act the way he did. The incident happened in IPL 2019 during a match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Rajasthan Royals, in which Ashwin was representing the former.

The ex-Indian spinner dismissed Buttler at the non-striker's end by dislodging the bails with the English wicketkeeper-batter caught well outside the crease as a result of backing up a bit too much. Tensions brewed after the controversial incident as Ashwin and Buttler had an animated chat before the batter eventually walked off.

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Ashwin unapologetic in Buttler 'Mankad' row

Ashwin defended his decision to 'Mankad' Buttler, arguing that it was within the rules and was not a question of honesty or character. He also recalled an instance in a match against Mumbai when he instructed the bowler to run him out at the non-striker's end, but ultimately refused due to public perception.

The spin legend further insisted that the rules wouldn't have been part of the law if the ICC felt it was dishonest. Ashwin also emphasised that he did it to win and sees no shame in it, adding that it was smart cricket and not a moral issue.

“A lot of people talk about character, say this is wrong, or that the player is wrong. After hearing all that, I felt like doing it even more, not to prove a point to people. There was a moment when I was captain against Mumbai, and we needed two runs. I was at extra cover and told the bowler to run him out at the non-striker’s end. The batter ran, but the bowler refused because people say it’s wrong.

"If the ICC felt this was an honesty problem, they wouldn’t keep it in the rules. If you need two runs off one ball and you start running early, whose fault is it? People say Jos Buttler didn’t try to run, but that’s not my problem. People also say I did it to win. Of course, I did it to win. What is there to be ashamed of?

"After I ran him out, I called the team and said, ‘This will look different to them, they will lose, don’t worry about the reaction, I will handle the media, we just have to win.’ And we won. So, there is no issue of character in this,” the former India spinner said on The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience on JioHotstar.

Indian spin veteran proud of his actions

The 'Mankad' incident in IPL 2019 drew heavy criticism, with Ashwin ridiculed for his actions. However, the former cricketer remains unfazed, insisting he played within the laws and is proud of it. He added that if another player had done the same, he would have praised them even more.

"Other bowlers should also do it. Why don’t they? Because of the first thought that comes to mind, ‘What will people say?’ It has become a kind of societal pressure, whether it is right or wrong. This started with umpires asking captains if they want to withdraw the appeal. If you withdraw, you are seen as good, which is also wrong, because you let your bowler down in front of everyone.

"This decision should belong to the bowler, and giving out or not is the umpire’s job. Why make a rule so complex? Like LBW, this is also out. Many cricketers tweeted that this is bad. My answer is simple: I didn’t steal, I didn’t do anything wrong, I played within the laws. Those who talk like this, I can file a case against them in court. What they are doing is character assassination. I am very proud of it, I will continue to be, and whoever does it, I will praise them even more," Ashwin added.

The Ashwin-Butler Mankad controversy in IPL 2019 remains one of the biggest controversies in the league's history, one that continues to trigger heated debates among fans and experts alike.