‘Different treatments for bowlers and batters’ - Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to Rohit Sharma withdrawing Dasun Shanaka's run-out appeal

Running the non-striker out while bowling has been one of the most debatable topics in cricket in recent times. Even though the laws of the game approve this, many legendary cricketers including Michael Vaughan, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson have openly criticised the dismissal bringing the sportsman spirit into the discussion.

Majority of the Indian cricketers, on the other hand, have been on the other end of the discussion. Ravichandran Ashwin has been very vocal about it and recently reacted to Rohit Sharma’s withdrawal of Dasun Shanaka’s dismissal by Mohammed Shami in the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Guwahati.

He believes that there are too many taboos surrounding this mode of dismissal, and also stated that the bowlers should enjoy as much freedom as the batters do.

“See, even if one fielder appeals, it is the duty of the umpire to declare a player out if he is out. So, I find it very surprising to have so many taboos surrounding this mode of dismissal. But the entire dismissal is regarding what the bowler does, right? The right of making that dismissal or making that appeal or making that decision lies with the bowler, right,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“In so many games, a batter has nicked and walked without waiting for the umpire’s decision. At that time, the batting team captain won’t come and ask, ‘With whose permission did you walk like that? Did you forget the team’s cause? Go back and continue playing. These different treatments for bowlers and batters have been taking place for so many years now,” he added.

That is a legitimate form of dismissal: Ashwin

The off-spinner once again reminded that running the non-striker out while bowling is a legitimate way to dismiss a batter. He stressed on the fact that it’s the right of the bowlers and the captains shouldn’t interfere much like they don’t during an LBW or a caught behind appeal.

“I am going to keep repeating only one thing. The game situation is immaterial. That is a legitimate form of dismissal. And in fact, if you ask for an LBW appeal, or a caught behind appeal, nobody will check with the captain on whether they are sure of the appeal. They will give him out if the bowler appeals and that is the end of it,” the 36-year-old further said.

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