The 3rd T20I between India and Afghanistan was marked by a flurry of runs, memorable moments on the field, and controversial drama. However, the match will only be remembered for the initial Super Over which gave rise to a controversy after India captain Rohit Sharma expressed displeasure towards Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi.

This happened after Nabi opted to take an additional double following a throw from wicket-keeper Sanju Samson that hit him and deflected. Rohit, emphasizing sportsmanship, was not pleased with Nabi capitalizing on the deflected throw. However, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, renowned for upholding sportsmanship, presented an interesting perspective on the issue.

Ashwin, often recognized as a guardian of sportsmanship in cricket, typically aligns with the rules of the game, particularly regarding non-striker run-outs. In this instance, however, Ashwin also adopted the viewpoint of an Indian fan, bringing multiple angles to the ongoing debate.

“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 in a video on his YouTube channel.

“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.

Ashwin’s Response

Being a dedicated student of the game, Ashwin doesn’t perceive any wrongdoing on the part of the batter in seizing those additional runs. He drew parallels between this situation and instances where a batter earns leg byes or byes while facing a bowler, highlighting the similarities between the debated incident in the 3rd T20I and routine occurrences in cricket.

“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. 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 said.

Ashwin will be an integral part of the Indian team when they take on England in a 5-match Test series starting on January 25

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