Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to Mankad warning in TNPL

Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his strong advocacy of running out the batter at the non-striker's end, recently faced a warning himself for overstepping the crease.

The incident occurred during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match between his team, the Dindigul Dragons, and the Nellai Royal Kings. In the 15th over, left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath halted his delivery stride upon observing that Ashwin had ventured out of his crease.

Replays revealed that Ashwin's bat had indeed moved beyond the popping crease while he was stepping out prematurely, which led Prasath to stop his run-up.

This situation ignited debates across social media. Some criticized Ashwin, suggesting he was getting a taste of his own tactics, while others defended him, noting that Ashwin wasn't attempting to gain an unfair advantage.

Ashwin responded by sharing a screenshot of the relevant law, indicating that he would have been deemed not out had the bowler managed to dislodge the bails.

According to Law 38.3, a non-striker can be run out from the moment the ball is in play until the bowler is expected to release it.

Addressing criticisms aimed at commentators for not clarifying that Ashwin would have been not out, Ashwin remarked, "Because they don’t know the rule."

Currently, Ashwin is not part of the Indian squad for the ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka but is expected to return for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.