‘Now you have complete freedom’ - Virender Sehwag congratulates Ravi Ashwin as MCC updates rule on non-striker's run-out

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has cheekily congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin after Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced updates in the existing norms. In order to destigmatize the run outs at the non-striker’s end before the ball is delivered, also known as ‘Mankading’, MCC has moved the controversial mode of dismissal from Law 41 to Law 38.

Under Law 41, this mode of dismissal used to come under the ‘unfair play’ category. As MCC came up with a change in the law, Sehwag didn’t miss out on pulling the off-spinner’s leg. Notably, Ashwin infamously dismissed Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler through this mode of dismissal in IPL 2019, leaving the cricket world divided. While many backed Ashwin’s tactics, several raised their voice against his actions.

Ravi Ashwin to join forces with Jos Buttler in IPL 2022

Regardless of the criticism, Ashwin kept his stance firm on the debate. Hence, he would have been pretty pleased with MCC’s decision. Sehwag didn’t miss out on highlighting the same as he came up with a cheeky post. While congratulating the Tamil Nadu cricketer for becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Sehwag also asked him to plot more such run-outs alongside Jos Buttler. Notably, Ashwin will join forces with the England star in IPL 2022 as he has been picked by Rajasthan Royals.

“Congratulations @ashwinravi99, great week this one. First becoming second highest wicket taker in Tests for India, and now this. Ab full freedom (Now you have complete freedom) to plot such run-outs with Buttler. Ek karna zaroor (Be sure to do one),” tweeted Sehwag.

Congratulations @ashwinravi99, great week this one. First becoming second highest wicket taker in Tests for India, and now this. Ab full freedom to plot such run-outs with Buttler.
Ek karna zaroor 😊 https://t.co/oCjfYdr6nr

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 9, 2022

Speaking of the change in law, MCC’s new norm states: “Law 41.16 – running out the non-striker – has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same.”

“The bowler is always painted as the villain but it is a legitimate way to dismiss someone and it is the non-striker who is stealing the ground,” Fraser Stewart, MCC Laws Manager, told the Times. “It is legitimate, it is a run-out and therefore it should live in the run-out section of the laws,” he added.