IPL 2020: Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Ricky Ponting In Talks With ICC Committee For Run Penalty On Non-Strikers Backing Up Too Much

Delhi Capitals’ spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sparing Aaron Finch from Mankading has become one of the talking points in IPL 2020. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Aaron Finch was backing up a long way down the non-striker’s end before Ravichandran Ashwin released the ball. However, the off-spinner decided to spare the opening batsman, drawing a wry smile from the Capitals’ coach Ricky Ponting. Ashwin has also revealed a conversation with Ponting concerning that.

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After Ravichandran Ashwin applied the rule of Mankad to dismiss Jos Buttler in 2019 IPL, controversies sparked in the cricketing fraternity. Despite polarising opinions, the 34-year old revealed he would continue to do so. Ashwin, who was playing for Kings XI Punjab, got traded to Delhi Capitals and coach Ricky Ponting, who does not support the form of dismissal, had a “hard” conversation with him that eventually turned out peacefully. However, it was likely that Ashwin would have still done it.

The Tamil Nadu off-spinner reveals having a get-together with Ricky Ponting, who also agreed that Ashwin should have hit the stumps as Finch was way out of the crease. And Ponting is also in talks with the ICC committee for deducting runs if batsmen step out of the crease before a delivery is bowled.

“I tagged Ponting also in the tweet. We met in the evening for a get-together. He was like ‘he went out too far out of the crease’. ‘I thought of getting up and asking you to hit the stumps’. I asked him about why he is saying this about an Australian mate? He said he has been talking to the ICC committee for run penalty. He is trying hard to keep up his words,” Ashwin stated in his Youtube channel.

“He (Aaron Finch) is also my good friend from Kings XI Punjab” : Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin recalled that moment when Aaron Finch was beginning to step out of the crease. Having stopped while bowling, he contemplated whether to Mankad or not as Finch gave him a look and Ashwin did not know what to make of it. The off-spinner cited the Australian limited-overs captain as his good friend and decided to spare him with a warning. Delhi Capitals next face Rajasthan Royals on Friday in Sharjah.

“I didn’t give any message (with that look). I am not a big leader to give a message and all. I was about to complete my run up and then I saw a golden helmet moving forward, like a bogey that goes off. I stopped my bowling action and I was wondering whether to Mankad or not. Even when I was thinking, he didn’t return to the crease. He was looking at me. I didn’t know what that meant. He (Aaron Finch) is also my good friend from Kings XI Punjab. We have sat together and have passed time on many occasions. Okay, I thought I should announce this as my final warning,” he added.

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