Kane Williamson Reveals His Stance On The 'Mankad' Mode Of Dismissal
Published - 22 Sep 2020, 05:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:34 AM
New Zealand skipper and SunRisers Hyderabad player Kane Williamson has revealed his take on the ‘Mankad’ mode of dismissal, which has divided the cricketing fraternity. Ever since Ravichandran Ashwin effected that on Jos Buttler last year while playing for Kings XI Punjab, it has remained under discussion concerning its legality. Kane Williamson, who always plays the game fairly, does not encourage it.
Ravichandran Ashwin has had debates with Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting regarding the mode of dismissal. Earlier this year, the 34-year old declared he would not hesitate to effect the same this year too. In contrast, Ricky Ponting believes it is not within the spirit even as it is listed within the laws of the game. Across continents, several cricketers have weighed upon the issue.
Kane Williamson, who is one of the gentlemen of the game, has exemplified the same with his actions several times. New Zealand, who could not win the World Cup under controversial circumstances last year under Kane Williamson, accepted the decision without creating an uproar. While Williamson was disappointed to lose the final owing to the boundary count rule, he hardly called the decision controversial.
“I think it is really important to stay within those lines” : Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson unequivocally discouraged the Mankad mode of dismissal and stated that Sunrisers Hyderabad does not support it either. The 29-year old believes that there are certain behaviours which are essential to the team and do not endorse cheating of any form and instead to play by the rules. He feels that one must stay within the boundaries and not cross them.
“No, I certainly do not encourage it. That is not something that we look to do at all as a team. We have behaviours that are important to us as a group, and something like that does not fit with us, so that is my stance. However, if someone is looking to cheat, I think it would be worth having a quiet word with him and make sure the rules and spirit of the game are upheld. As ambassadors of the game, I think it is really important to stay within those lines,” Williamson told the Week.
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