Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on Super Over deflection drama in Bengaluru

The recent India versus Afghanistan T20I had the cricketing fraternity on the edge and excited. Even though India had the series in the bag with a 2-0 lead, Afghanistan pulled off a stunning comeback, leading to not one but two Super Overs in the final game of the series.

The real twist in the tale came when Afghanistan managed two overthrow runs, thanks to Sanju Samson's underarm throw taking an unexpected deflection off Mohammad Nabi. Captain Rohit Sharma and the Indian team weren't exactly impressed, showing their displeasure on the field. However, Afghanistan stuck to the rulebook and earned three runs off the final ball.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, gave his opinion on the Super Over drama. In his usual candid style, he pointed out that as a cricket fan, one would probably go for that extra run in a tight situation. Ashwin clarified that it's all part of the game, just like leg byes, byes, wides, and no-balls.

“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 might not have done this if we were on the field. That is our personal opinion and view,” said Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

With two sides to the story, if the tables were turned, and India found themselves in a similar situation, irritation might be the first emotion on the field. He admits our actions might differ when we're the ones directly involved. It's a matter of perspective, and Ashwin doesn't shy away from sharing his take on the matter.

“As an Indian cricket fan, I can say this. Tomorrow, if we are facing a Super Over in the World Cup knockout match, and when it is one ball, two runs to win. The wicketkeeper's throw deflects off our glove, we will also run. How can a player not run?" he added.

In his explanation, Ashwin drew parallels with other situations in cricket. A bowler aims to pick your wicket, and as a batter, you're there to score runs. Whether it's leg byes, byes, wides, or no-balls, it's all fair game in the pursuit of victory. So, taking that extra run in a Super Over? According to Ashwin, it's well within the rights of the batter.

“A simple explanation for this will suffice. A bowler is bowling to pick your wicket. You are blocking the ball or hitting it to score runs. When the ball hits the pads, it's a leg bye. It is a bye when it doesn't meet your body, and the keeper leaves it. When the ball goes wide off the crease, it is wide. When the bowler outstretches their leg, it is no-ball. All these happen on the chance that the bowler takes a wicket-taking delivery. This is the same. When a fielder throws to get me to run out and the ball deflects off my body, I am within my right to run. Spirit of cricket? Yet again, I'm sorry,” he concluded.