When we look back at the illustrious career of Ravi Ashwin, there are a few iconic moments that simply cannot be overlooked. These moments not only defined his career but also made waves around the cricketing world. From his rulebook-perfect Mankad dismissals, which sparked debates and discussions on the spirit of the game, to his iconic leave against a wide ball in the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his sharp cricketing acumen, Ashwin has always been a player who thinks beyond the obvious. These moments, each rich in strategy and skill, left a lasting impact on the game and cemented his place as one of cricket’s most brilliant minds.
The “Mankad” Moment
The 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) featured many memorable moments, but one incident stood out as the most talked-about of the year. It occurred during Match 4 between the Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, where Ravichandran Ashwin was playing for the Punjab Kings.
The match was progressing well until Jos Buttler was run out by Ashwin in a controversial Mankad dismissal at the non-striker's end. Ashwin had warned Buttler several times to stay within his crease, yet Buttler continued to leave early. In a decisive move, Ashwin removed the bails, resulting in Buttler's dismissal.
This incident sparked widespread debate, with one side opposing the Mankad dismissal and the other supporting it, arguing that Ashwin acted according to the rules of the game. Following the match, the rules were reiterated, confirming that the Mankad dismissal was indeed allowed. Consequently, such incidents became rare, as batsmen adopted a more cautious approach.
Whenever a Mankad dismissal occurs, Ashwin's name inevitably resurfaces, mainly due to this high-profile incident. Throughout his career, Ashwin has executed two Mankad dismissals: the first against Lahiru Thirumanne in 2012 and Jos Buttler in 2019, when he reintroduced this tactic to the game of cricket after a long period without such incidents.
The ‘ICONIC MCG’ Leave
It was the 2022 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at the packed MCG Stadium. India found itself in a difficult situation, but Virat Kohli was playing an iconic innings that rekindled hope of victory. The crowd was energetic, but there was still a long way to go before reaching the finish line.
In the final over, India needed 16 runs, and Mohammed Nawaz was bowling. He dismissed Hardik Pandya on the first ball, followed by Dinesh Karthik. However, Kohli managed to score boundaries despite the pressure. With 3 runs required from the last two balls, Ravichandran Ashwin was on strike.
What happened next surprised everyone. Nawaz bowled a wide ball that Ashwin let go, showing incredible awareness in that critical moment, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. With 2 runs required from 2 balls, Ashwin executed a scoop shot over long-off, winning the game for India alongside Virat Kohli.
The awareness Ashwin displayed was remarkable, and the way he handled the situation was crucial to the match. This moment became a memorable highlight in his iconic career.
Ravi Ashwin’s career is marked by moments that not only showcased his brilliance but also sparked widespread conversation. One such moment, his Mankad dismissals, became a massive talking point in the cricketing world, challenging conventional norms and evoking debates on the spirit of the game. On the other hand, his iconic leave against a wide ball in the 2022 World Cup was a testament to his tactical awareness and calm under pressure, forever etching his name in the annals of cricketing history. Both moments, though different, reflect Ashwin’s unique cricketing intellect and his ability to create lasting legacies on the field.
