Jos Buttler is absolutely fine playing alongside Ravi Ashwin, confirm Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals have made a few interesting buys at the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru. While they did rope in the likes of talented opener Devdutt Padikkal and New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult, the franchise has also succeeded in buying the senior India off-spinner Ravi Ashwin for a sum of INR five crore. The Tamil Nadu cricketer was released by the 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals just months before the two-day event.

Since Ravi Ashwin is now a part of the Rajasthan setup, he would be playing with the English wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler. Buttler is one of the players to be retained by the inaugural edition’s winners for INR 10 crore along with skipper Sanju Samson and budding opener Yashavi Jaiswal. Three years after their infamous on-field incident, the offie and the England stumper would now be playing for the same team. Now, RR CEO Jake Lush McCrum has said that the 2019 World Cup winner is absolutely fine playing with Ravi Ashwin.

We spoke to Jos Buttler prior to the auction: Rajasthan Royals CEO

“We spoke to Jos prior to the auction and just talked through all of our prioritization of players. Honestly, he didn’t even think about it (his run out by Ashwin at the non-striker’s end in 2019). I had to sort of bringing it up to just check it was okay. And he said ‘it’s absolutely fine,” said the Rajasthan Royals CEO Jake Lush McCrum during the press conference.

“Maybe he will have to practice in the nets with him. But otherwise, on the field, they’re looking forward to playing together,” he added.

During an IPL 2019 league game between Punjab and Rajasthan, Ashwin, who was leading Punjab Kings, had run Buttler out at the non-strikers’ end when he had saw the batter moving out of the crease while he was about to bowl. Surprisingly, Ashwin dislodged the bails even without giving a formal warning. The decision was made against the batter and both players were seen having an argument before a gutted Buttler walked back to the dugout.

That was the turning point of the contest and the former champions lost their way in the run chase. While the senior off-spinner was criticized by many including spin legend Shane Warne for his action, there were many who came forward and backed him as well.

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