Flashback: When R Ashwin controversially dismissed Jos Buttler at non-striker's end in IPL 2019

August 27, 2025 marked the end of a 16-season long Indian Premier League stint for former Indian cricketer R Ashwin as he announced his retirement from the franchise-based league. There have been several iconic moments the wily off-spinner has been a part of in the IPL, with the Jos Buttler non-striker end run out from IPL 2019 being the most iconic one.

Chasing 185 for victory, Rajasthan Royals were in a commanding position, having scored 105 for the loss of just one wicket at the end of the 12th over. Buttler had contributed 69 runs to the total by then, having registered 10 fours and two sixes. Controversy erupted on the fourth ball of the 13th over as Ashwin caught the Englishman backing up too far at the non-striker's end.

Ashwin did not hesitate in dislodging the bails and making an appeal to the on-field umpire, who sent the decision upstairs. The final decision went in favour of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), leaving Buttler fuming as he stormed back to the pavilion in utter disbelief. The Punjab-based franchise ended up winning the contest by 14 runs.

Social media had gone berserk since the moment transpired. While some called it against the spirit of the game, quite a few argued that Ashwin's actions were justified and perfectly within the laws of the game. Ashwin later himself came out and justified his actions as being within the rules, going on to assert that he would it do it again if presented with such an opportunity.

Coming to Ashwin's IPL numbers, he ended his career with 187 wickets in 221 matches AT a frugal economy rate of  7.20. In addition to all his achievements with the ball, Ashwin also has 833 runs in the tournament with a half-century to his name.