Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the controversy surrounding Mohammad Nabi taking extra runs during the third T20I. Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted that Indian players would likely make a similar move in a World Cup knockout match.
Mohammad Nabi attempted to take extra runs despite the ball deflecting off his pads to long-on during the first super over in Bengaluru. The duo managed to secure two extra runs, leading to a slightly heated exchange between Nabi and Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
The visiting team reached a total of 16 runs in the first Super Over, including the two extra runs. The Indian team matched the opposition team’s score during their turn. However, Team India secured victory in the second Super Over and clinched the series 3-0.
There Are Two Sides To This Story – Ravichandran Ashwin
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin stated that Mohammad Nabi did not violate any rules. Ashwin mentioned that Indian players, including himself, would probably make a similar move in a similar situation in a crucial match.
“There are two sides to this story. If we are the affected party on the field, we will get very irritated with whatever happens. We would say we might not have done this if we were on the field. That is our personal opinion and view,” Ashwin said.
“As an Indian cricket fan I can say this – tomorrow, if we are facing a Super Over in a World Cup knockout match, it is two runs to win off one ball and the wicketkeeper’s throw deflects off our glove, we will also run. How can a player not run?,” he added.
Yet Again, I’m Sorry – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the notion of a breach of the spirit of cricket, stating that the batter’s actions were within the rules. He drew parallels between a bowler’s intent to dismiss and a batter’s right to run when a throw deflects off them.
“A simple explanation for this will suffice. A bowler is bowling just to pick your wicket. If you hit that ball then you can score a run. When the ball hits the pads, it’s a leg bye. When it doesn’t meet your body, and the keeper leaves it, it is a bye. When the ball goes wide off the crease, it is wide,” Ashwin further stated.
“When the bowler outstretches the leg, it is no-ball. All these happens when the bowler is trying to take someone’s wicket and the run comes off the delivery. In the same way, when a fielder throws, why do they do it? To get you run out I am running, that throw deflects off me, I am within my right to run. Spirit of cricket? Yet again, I’m sorry,” he concluded.
India scored 11 runs in the second Super Over, setting a target of 12 for Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan could only manage one run as Ravi Bishnoi bagged the two wickets. India secured a 10-run victory, maintaining their unbeaten T20I record against Afghanistan.
