IPL 2019: I Would Never Mankad Virat Kohli Even If it is World Cup Final - Ben Stokes

England and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes has jumped into the controversial decision of Ravichandran Ashwin ‘Mankading’ Jos Buttler. Stokes has stated even if Virat Kohli would have backed too far in his crease, he would not Mankad him, despite it being the World Cup final. Meanwhile, it was the fifth ball of the 13th over when Ravichandran Ashwin effected the run-out of Jos Buttler.

Rajasthan Royals was in a shoo-in position however Ashwin’s action has drawn a lot of flak in the cricket world. Ashwin was past his delivery stride and then came back to dislodge the bails. Jos Buttler was out of his crease and the third umpire Bruce Oxenford gave the decision in favour of the Kings XI Punjab.

Ashwin has drawn a lot of flak.

It was the turning point of the match as Rajasthan Royals slid down the slope after the dismissal of their opener. However, the talking point was the controversial decision.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin was within the laws of the game to appeal for the run-out. In fact, according to the revised laws, there is no need for the bowler to warn the batsmen.

On the other hand, the first Mankad was done when India left-handed spinner Vinoo Mankad ran out Australian batsman Bill Brown. Consequently, the dismissal has been known as the ‘Mankad’.

Ravichandran Ashwin has also given his side of the story. Ashwin said that it was an instinctive decision and he was within the rights to effect the dismissal. Meanwhile, the likes of Michael Vaughan and Shane Warne has severely criticised Ravichandran Ashwin’s action.

 Ben Stokes took to Twitter to share his thought on the dismissal. Stokes who scalped two wickets and scored six runs took to Twitter. The post read as, “Hopefully I’m playing in the World Cup final and if @imVkohli is batting when I’m bowling I would never ever ever ever ever ever…..just clarifying to the mentions I’ve received ? #hallabol”.

Here is the post:

https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/1110441943115272192