IPL 2019: Jos Buttler Finally Breaks His Silence On Mankad Controversy

Rajasthan Royals star Jos Buttler has finally broken his silence on the Mankad controversy that rocked the IPL last week.  Rajasthan Royals were cruising along at 108 for 1 in their chase of 185 against Kings XI Punjab before the incident took place in the 13th over. On the penultimate delivery of the over, R Ashwin stopped at the bowling crease, paused as Buttler left the crease, before turning to take the bails off. He immediately appealed for a run-out and eventually got the decision in his favour.

The dismissal completely changed the course of the game. Royals’ chase fell apart soon as they suffered an inexplicable batting collapse. Before departing, Buttler had slammed 69 off 43 balls with the help of 10 fours and two sixes. He had also added 78 runs with Ajinkya Rahane for the first wicket.

The Royals went on to finish the game on 170 for 9 despite being 108 for 1 and then 148 for 2 at one stage.

The incident had divided the cricketing world into two halves as many felt that Ashwin was right while many said that the act was against the spirit of the game. While Mankading is not against the rules, it is widely considered to be against the spirit of the game. Later, the MCC issued a statement which more or less settled the debate as they stated that Ashwin did nothing wrong.

Buttler has now opened up on the incident. The England star did admit that Mankad is nothing against the rule but said that the rule needs more clarity.

“Of course a Mankading has to be in the Laws of the game because a batsman can’t just run halfway down the pitch trying to get a headstart,” Jos Buttler told ESPNcricinfo. “But I do think, the way the law is written, there is a bit of a grey area in that saying ‘when a bowler is expected to release the ball’. That is a bit of a wishy-washy statement.”

He also revealed why he acted so angrily after being given out by the third umpire. He also made it clear that he didn’t agree with what what R Ashwin did as the wicketkeeper-batsman expressed his displeasure again.

“At the time I was really disappointed with it. I didn’t like the style of it. I just thought it was a bad precedent at the start of the tournament. For the tournament itself. It was a really disappointing way to start the tournament.

“So, I didn’t like what happened and I didn’t agree with it, but what can you do? After a day or so I was pretty relaxed about it and I’ll make sure it never happens again. It won’t happen again,” he said.