'It's something that does not fit with us' - Kane Williamson takes stand against Mankading

Contrary to popular belief, the T20 format is not entirely about an aggressive attitude. Cool-headed Kane Williamson squashes the high pressure of one of the most demanding league across the globe– Indian Premier League. A part of Sunrisers Hyderabad contingent, Williamson is seen as a valuable asset along with Jonny Bairstow and David Warner.

SRH arguably have the most experienced top-order trio and all the foreign players will be expected to steer the side to its second IPL title this season. The Hyderabad franchise has consistently made it to the playoffs in the past few seasons, with their maiden IPL trophy coming in the 2016 edition.

SRH may have lost their opening fixture against Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore but they’re still seen as one of the sides who can mount a title challenge on the UAE soil. In an interview with the Week, Williamson opened up about plying his trade for SRH in a completely different environment. The Kiwi skipper also opined on ‘Mankading’, making it clear that he is not in support of it.

‘Mankading’ has been a hot topic of debate, especially after the Ashwin-Buttler incident in IPL 2019. In a game between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin had run out Jos Buttler who was backing up at the non-striker’s end.

I certainly do not encourage Mankading: Kane Williamson

The incident had sparked a hot debate on the Ashwin’s act. While some called it a legal move, some criticized the off-spinner for now adhering to the ‘spirit of cricket’. Ashwin will be donning the Delhi Capitals jersey this season and their head coach Ricky Ponting has asked the Tamil Nadu veteran to refrain from ‘Mankading’.

Opining on ‘Mankad’ rule, Williamson said that it’s not something that he would encourage. The 30-year-old is an advocate of playing the game in the right spirit.

“I certainly do not encourage it. That is not something that we look to do at all as a team. As I said, we have behaviours that are important to us as a group, and something like that does not fit with us, so that is my stance.

However, if someone is looking to cheat, I think it would be worth having a quiet word with him and make sure the rules and spirit of the game are upheld. As ambassadors of the game, I think it is really important to stay within those lines,” said Williamson, who failed to lift the 2019 World Cup trophy by a whisker.