‘They were flabbergasted’ - Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on infamous Jos Buttler run-out incident

IPL (Indian Premier League) 2019 was the year when veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was all over the news. Captaining Punjab Kings in 2019, Ashwin was part of one of the most controversial moments of the season, and it came at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur when his side took on Rajasthan Royals in the 4th match of the IPL 2019.

Chasing a target of 185 runs, Jos Buttler was looking sensational opening for the Royals. Playing on a score of 69 runs in 43 deliveries, is when disaster struck for the English batter. Buttler’s onslaught could have propelled the Royals to a brilliant win. However, Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to run Buttler out at non-striker's end brought forth RR’s collapse.

The moment remains one of the most talked about to this day, and after more than five years since the incident, Ashwin has come forward to reflect on the moment. The Chennai-born, now representing Rajasthan Royals, talked about the incident in a conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist. 

“My team was flabbergasted, they were just looking at one another because I was the captain for the game. They are just looking at me, and I just called them into a huddle and said, ‘You know what, cricket is a game where people are mostly afraid of being uncomfortable, and now Jos is uncomfortable and probably bashing me,’” Ashwin said at the Club Prairie Fire podcast.

“I know the people are gonna be angry and anger brings about a lot of mental outbreaks, and they are not going to think straight, I told them whatever it is, I will take the media on because it is my job, let’s now win this game,” he added.

Five years after the infamous Mankad incident, Ravichandran Ashwin continues to dominate in the IPL. Ironically, the veteran all-rounder represents Rajasthan Royals in the tournament now and has been one of the most integral players for the side ever since he was roped in by the inaugural champions in 2022.