Hyderabad: The 12th edition of Indian Premier League in its very first week has sparked a debate with Kings XI Punjab captain R Ashwin Mankading Jos Buttler. Many cricket pundits have lauded their opinions on the issue.
Rahul Dravid who is referred to as a gentleman of the game has expressed his opinion on whether Ashwin's act was against the spirit of the game or not. He said, "It’s within the laws of the game and that’s pretty clear. So I don’t have a problem with someone deciding to do it. Ashwin was well within his rights to do what he did."
"However, personally, I would prefer it if somebody warns someone first. That would be my personal choice, but I respect someone’s view to think differently. I might not agree with it necessarily, but I would just have to agree to disagree whether someone should run someone out without warning him,” added the former Rajasthan Royals captain.
Dravid also said that some reactions by cricketers on the topic are overblown and one should not question Ashwin's character.
Interestingly, this was the first incident of Mankading in 11 years of IPL.
“Like I said, I would rather he had warned first, but if he chose not to do it, then that’s his interpretation and you can’t have issue with that. It is not about being a gentleman or a non-gentleman. This is not a judgement on his character, but his reading of the law. He has not cheated anybody, nor is he a bad person because he did that,” Dravid opined.
Kings in its second match of the season will take on Kolkatta Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on March 27.
