Ravichandran Ashwin Reflects on Mankad Incident with Jos Buttler in IPL

Ravichandran Ashwin Stands Firm on Mankad of Jos Buttler

Ravichandran Ashwin has never shied away from speaking his mind, and now, in a reflective moment after his IPL retirement, the former India spinner has doubled down on one of the most controversial episodes of his T20 career — the mankad dismissal of Jos Buttler during IPL 2019.

A Leadership Moment Under Fire

The incident unfolded during a high-pressure clash between Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) and Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, as RR chased 185. Buttler, in full flow and looking dangerous at the crease, had started backing up well outside his ground as Ashwin prepared to deliver.

Reacting instinctively and within the laws of the game, Ashwin whirled and dislodged the bails, dismissing Buttler at the non-striker’s end. The dismissal sparked immediate debate — on the field, in the commentary box, and across social media.

The Rule, The Reaction, and The Defense

Though many questioned the spirit of the game, Ashwin remains unapologetic. In a recent conversation on JioCinema, he reaffirmed that the act was not only legal but necessary.

“If the ICC felt this was an honesty problem, they wouldn’t keep it in the rules,” Ashwin stated, directly addressing critics who labeled the move unsportsmanlike.

He elaborated: “People say Jos Buttler didn’t try to run — but that’s not my problem. People also say I did it to win. Of course, I did it to win. What is there to be ashamed of?”

The dismissal shifted momentum. Punjab capitalized and eventually won the match by 14 runs — a result Ashwin attributes directly to that pivotal moment.

Captaincy, Controversy, and Conviction

Leading a relatively underperforming Punjab team in 2018 and 2019, Ashwin’s captaincy tenure was met with mixed results — 12 wins in 28 games. But moments like the Buttler dismissal showcased his tactical mindset and willingness to make tough calls.

He recalled another incident where he urged a bowler to run out a non-striker when just two runs were needed off a ball — only to be refused. “I told the bowler, but he said it’s wrong. That’s when I realized the emotional weight people attach to a rule that’s clearly written in the book.”

After the dismissal, Ashwin took full responsibility, telling his teammates, “This will look different to them; they will lose. Don’t worry about the reaction; I will handle the media. We just have to win.” And they did.

Cricketing World Divided

The fallout was intense. Then-England fast bowler James Anderson openly criticized Ashwin, even tearing up a photo of him during a press interaction — a theatrical gesture that amplified the emotional divide.

Yet, Ashwin’s stance remained rooted in principle. He emphasized that backing up too far is a risk batters take — and bowlers have every right to respond.

A Legacy Beyond the Controversy

Ashwin retired from the IPL in August 2025 after a stellar 16-season journey, playing 221 matches, claiming 187 wickets, and scoring 833 runs. He also announced the end of his international career during India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia.

His Test record stands tall — 537 wickets in 106 matches, making him one of India’s most successful spinners. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy wins, and also contributed in the 2014 T20 World Cup final run.

Ashwin’s career, both celebrated and scrutinized, reflects a cricketer who played with intelligence, integrity, and unyielding competitive fire — even when it meant making the hard, unpopular call.

Final Word

The mankad of Jos Buttler may remain a flashpoint in cricket debates, but for Ashwin, it was never about controversy — it was about winning, within the rules. And in his own words: “There is no issue of character in this.”