Mankad was once again the topic of discussion during last night IPL game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. Although, R Ashwin was not the talking point but his team had its involvement. During Kings XI Punjab’s batting, Mayank Agarwal was seen standing outside the crease at the non-strikers end in one of the overs bowled by Andre Russell.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed out that it was bowlers’ mistake for missing the clear opportunity to run-out Mayank Agarwal.
“Missed Opportunity….more bowlers need to start running batsmen out at the non-striker’s end. It’s a 22-yard pitch…don’t let them make it 20 yards. #Unfair.”
Former Aussie speedster Mitchell Johnson also shared the picture on his twitter handle. “#bowlersfault #checkbowlersfrontfootfornoball,” he wrote.
Missed Opportunity….more bowlers need to start running batsmen out at the non-striker’s end. It’s a 22-yard pitch…don’t let them make it 20 yards. #Unfair pic.twitter.com/qeGBDocU8G
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 27, 2019
? #bowlersfault #checkbowlersfrontfootfornoball pic.twitter.com/B7zFUAFpoR
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) March 27, 2019
Earlier, Ashwin’s mankading act had the cricket fraternity divided. While some backed Ashwin, most of the former players lambasted KXIP captain.
The law justifies mankading. Law 41.16 states: “If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out”.