While the cricketing world is busy discussing the controversial Mankad incident that took place in IPL on Monday, former India Test opener Aakash Chopra has urged more bowlers to make use of it. Mankad has become the talk of the town ever since R Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler in the controversial manner during the game between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab in Jaipur.
The incident took place during the thirteenth over of the game when Buttler was going great guns and was at the non-striker’s end. He was batting on 69 with the help of 10 fours and two sixes as Royals were comfortably placed at 108 for 1 while chasing 185. Ashwin then stopped midway through his delivery stride and took the bails off at the non-striker’s end when Buttler was out of his crease backing up.
A furious Buttler then walked off the field after the third umpire adjudged him out. The dismissal proved to be the turning point of the game as the Royals lost their way and ended on 170 for 9 from 148 for 2.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media with some saying Ashwin was within his rights to dismiss the batsman if he was out of his crease, while others have said it goes against the spirit of the game. Several former players have also weighed in on the debate. And now Aakash Chopra has come up with an interesting comment.
The cricketer-turned-commentator posted a picture from Wednesday’s game between Kolkata and Punjab on Twitter where the batsman could be seen standing out of the crease even before the ball was bowled.
Chopra then wrote that it was a missed opportunity for the bowler to take advantage as he said the latter should make sure the pitch remains a 22-yard track and not decrease to 20 yards.
“Missed Opportunity….more bowlers need to start running batsmen out at the non-striker’s end. It’s a 22-yard pitch…don’t let them make it 20 yards,” wrote Aakash Chopra.
Missed Opportunity….more bowlers need to start running batsmen out at the non-striker’s end. It’s a 22-yard pitch…don’t let them make it 20 yards. #Unfair pic.twitter.com/qeGBDocU8G
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 27, 2019