Exclusive: An analysis of Mankading Incident…Why it went that controversial?

Every small moment in sports is a game changer. Especially in a game like cricket, it’s impact will be huge. A few hours back, during the Rajasthan Royals versus Kings XI Punjab match, Ashwin got Jos Buttler out through "Mankading" in the 13th over as Buttler leaves the crease at the non-striker’s end even before Ashwin bowls.

Now, it went very controversial and there have been so many debates since the incident took place. Even there was a bit of argument between Ashwin and Jos on the field. Sports analyst Raunak Kapoor tweeted, "Issue on whether Buttler was actually trying to gain an undue advantage is irrelevant to the Mankad debate IMO. Even if Ashwin was looking to get him out, even deceive him, if it’s within the laws, he is entitled to. If it’s such a blasphemy, then push for its removal."

The above tweet seems sensible until another angle comes into play. It was, Ashwin actually stopped his rhythm to let Butler go down the crease and it was not desperate but very intentional to ran him out. But Ashwin claimed that it was instinctive as Buttler was disturbing his rhythm by going down before he bowls.

Later same Raunak Kapoor tweeted, "Seen the replay a few times. Don’t think in this case Buttler is trying to gain undue advantage, also I have no doubt Ashwin is looking for this wicket. Still, think Right or wrong is a matter of where you stand on the Mankad law in general. You will see what you want to see."

Even Senior commentator Harsh Bhogle couldn’t take a stand on this incident as he initially supported Ashwin comparing his action with a keeper that there is no need to warn the batsman as keeper never does such kind of thing and he acted as per laws.

But later he took his time and tweeted, "My final point on this. Ashwin ran Buttler out. It went to the 3rd umpire who is on the ICC Elite panel. He looked at the replays & said the non-striker was out. He is the custodian of the laws & playing conditions. So irrespective of what Ashwin did, it was the umpire's decision."

Well, that’s is a Mess right? Let us analyse this situation. As per rule, Buttler can’t cross the line before Ashwin delivers the ball. If Ashwin did stop intentionally, it’s Buttler’s part to check whether the bowler has bowled the ball or not before going down just like many keepers like Gilchrisht, MSD, Sangakkara wait for the batsman to lose his balance behind the stumps after playing a shot to stump them out. In no case, we can blame Ravi Ashwin until unless he was proved guilty by match referee for fooling Buttler in a wrong way. Till then, it is cricket, means "stick and crease" by derivation.