The Mankad saga saw another new chapter in the 2020 Indian Premier League on Monday during the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore competition in Dubai. Last year, when R Ashwin was captain of the Kings XI Punjab, the debate on the controversial form of dismissal had started.
Ashwin, in a match against the Rajasthan Royals, had used Mankad to fire Jos Buttler. The firing sparked widespread debate over whether it is in the “spirit of the game.”
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Before the start of the season, the discussion had arisen once again with Ashwin, who moved to Delhi Capitals this season, suggesting that there should be a rule for deducting runs if the batsmen on the non-forward end are coming out of the fold before a ball is being thrown.
DC head coach Ricky Ponting agreed with Ashwin’s views but maintained that he would not want his bowlers to fire anyone for Mankad.
Now, in Ashwin’s first match against RCB, the heading player had a clear chance to fire Aaron Finch using technique. Finch was clearly out of his crease while Ashwin was on his run.
But instead of cutting the bail, Ashwin stopped and warned Finch to go back to the fold. The DC head coach was seen smiling on the bench.
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Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 59 runs to reach the top of the IPL points table. Kagiso Rabada emerged as a star with the ball picking up 4/24 including Virat Kohli’s key wicket. In his pursuit, RCB was reduced to 43/3 with Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers fired in quick succession and although pattern Kohli tried, his 43 of 39 balls could only do so much.
After Kohli won the draw and chose the field, the Capitals recorded 196/4 against RCB at the back of Marcus Stoinis’ undefeated half-century.
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