Ashwin Reaffirms Defense of 2019 Buttler Run-Out

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has reaffirmed his defense of running out Jos Buttler at the non-striker's end during a 2019 Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Speaking on his show, The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience, aired on JioHotstar, Ashwin addressed the long-standing controversy, insisting the dismissal was lawful and aimed at securing victory.

The incident occurred as Rajasthan Royals chased a target of 185 set by Punjab Kings. Buttler, opening the batting, left his crease before Ashwin had bowled the ball. Ashwin removed the bails, and the third umpire upheld the appeal, dismissing Buttler. The wicket shifted momentum, with Punjab Kings restricting Rajasthan Royals to 170 for nine to win by 14 runs. Ashwin, who was captaining Punjab Kings at the time, finished with figures of one wicket for 20 runs in four overs.

Ashwin dismissed criticism labeling the act as against the spirit of cricket. "A lot of people talk about character, say this is wrong, or that the player is wrong," he said. "After hearing all that, I felt like doing it even more." He argued that the rule remains in the International Cricket Council's laws,...