IPL 2021: James Neesham Comes In Support Of Eoin Morgan In Latter's Spat With Ravi Ashwin, Explains The Reason Why

New Zealand and Mumbai Indians all-rounder James Neesham took the side of Eoin Morgan over Ravi Ashwin in a recently blown up battle of words between the two stalwarts of the game. The “Spirit of Cricket” has come up in news once again after the confrontation between Delhi Capitals’ Ravi Ashwin and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee.

The incident happened during the KKR-DC game on Tuesday in Sharjah. On the last ball of the 19th over of DC’s innings, a throw from Rahul Tripathi deflected off Rishabh Pant’s body and Pant and Ravi Ashwin then quickly ran a single. In the next over, Ashwin got out to Southee.

The KKR seamer said a few words to the departing batsman before the KKR skipper had a go at him. Ravi Ashwin didn’t back down from a verbal spat; as tempers flared up Dinesh Karthik played the peacemaker’s role and parted away his Tamil Nadu teammate from the action.

James Neesham Takes KKR Skipper Eoin Morgan’s Side:

The Indian off-spinner has received criticism from a section of former cricketers for taking a run off a deflection and then having a go at Morgan, while some have come out in his support.

When asked the same thing on Twitter, James Neesham was clear in whose side he is sticking to – Eoin Morgan’s.

Morgan obviously. https://t.co/pe6bhzhXPo

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) September 30, 2021

The Kiwi all-rounder also explained that why this incident – taking a run after had deflected off a batter’s body – is different from England taking four extra runs during the 2019 World Cup final when the ball ricocheted off Ben Stokes and landed to the boundary.

Because they’re runs if the ball crosses the boundary. But the etiquette of the game is that you don’t run if you’ve caused the deflection. It’s just one of those unspoken spirit of the game things https://t.co/OPDHrtjd6W

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) September 30, 2021

Ravi Ashwin slams Eoin Morgan for calling him a ‘disgrace’

On Thursday, Ravi Ashwin himself clarified about the situation. He said that he didn’t know the ball had deflected off Pant. However, he said, he had the right to take the extra run even if he knew that it had deflected off a batter’s body.

The off-spinner further revealed that Morgan had called him a “disgrace”. In a series of tweets, Ravi Ashwin further elaborated his interpretation on “Spirit Of Cricket”.

4. Did I fight?
No, I stood up for myself and that’s what my teachers and parents taught me to do and pls teach your children to stand up for themselves.
In Morgan or Southee’s world of cricket they can choose and stick to what they believe is right or wrong but do not have the

— Mask up and take your vaccine???? (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career

— Mask up and take your vaccine???? (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

Give your heart and soul on the field and play within the rules of the game and shake your hands once the game is over.

The above is the only ‘spirit of the game’ I understand.

— Mask up and take your vaccine???? (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

The Delhi Capitals are second on the points table with 16 points. They will meet the Mumbai Indians on Saturday in Sharjah.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Sanju Samson Will Get A Longer Run In The Future For India, States Kumar Sangakkara