New Delhi: Last night’s match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) witnessed a ‘mankad’ moment between Ravichandran Ashwin & Shikhar Dhawan, which has become a talking point on Twitter.
Lot of cricket fans watched the ‘near run-out’ of PKBS captain Shikhar Dhawan at the non-striker end by RR bowler R Ashwin, which prompted many to recall the incident of 2019 when the leg spinner had claimed Jos Butler’s wicket by IPL’s mankad rule.
In the RR Vs PBKS match, Ashwin while bowling to batting PBKS side stopped his delivery mid-way & returned to the run-up. By that time, PBKS captain Dhawan had left the crease and was caught off-guard. While Ashwin stared at Dhawan, latter quickly slid his bat & returned to the crease.
Meme fest over Ashwin-Dhawan abrupt moment
The moment was enough to delight the cricket fans. Many have taken to twitter to share jokes & memes on the abrupt moment on cricket field. The video also went viral and has fetched more than 4 lakh views.
As Ashwin scared Dhawan to death & then both shared a smile, the cameras captured the reaction of Jos Butler, who was the victim of 2019 mankad incident and is now teammate of Ashwin.
All this led to a meme fest as cricket fans shared their comments & reactions.
“Calm, It’s My Passion Bro”- Ashwin To Dhawan pic.twitter.com/phiIgCwEFE
— रामनरेश_मीणा_ (@AjniMina) April 6, 2023
Ashwin warns Dhawan but cameraman shows Buttler ?? pic.twitter.com/BAL6V1nRHE
— Alter Ego ॐ (@imAlter_ego) April 6, 2023
? Ashwin gave a warning to Shikhar Dhawan.
#Ashwin #TATAIPL2023 pic.twitter.com/DTfA9cTL1V— Sports Trumpet (@Sportstrumpet) April 5, 2023
When ashwin tried to mankad dhawan!! pic.twitter.com/JZFcgQVtua
— Stump Mic (@stumpmicsledges) April 5, 2023
Ashwin didn’t let Dhawan change the gears against him today??
Don’t miss the end ??
#RRvPBKS #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/WSUwOdbOH1— 12th Khiladi (@12th_khiladi) April 5, 2023
What happened in 2019
A lot many cricket lovers recalled the memories of 2019 IPL cricket. Ashwin remains the common player while the one at receiving end was not Dhawan but Jos Butler.
Ashwin had dismissed Butler at the non-striker end as the batter left the crease early. At that time, Ashwin was playing for PBKS.
However, this mankad incident had sparked a strong debate on the ‘spirit of game’ as many saw it as unscrupulous practice in game.
As the rules stand, mankad is not banned in the game & can be used by players but the strong debate over its righteousness does remain.
The outcome of match went in Dhawan-led PBKS favour as it defeated RR by 5 runs to register their 2nd victory.
