Ashwin defends 2019 Mankading of Buttler: 'I did it to win, nothing to hide'
Synopsis
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has doubled down on his controversial Mankading of Jos Buttler during the 2019 IPL, asserting that he feels no shame in admitting the act was fuelled by a desire to win.
Key Takeaways
Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler via Mankading during the 2019 IPL while captaining Kings XI Punjab .
Ashwin stated he feels no shame in the act, driven by competitive desire to win the match.
The dismissal proved a turning point; Punjab won the match by 14 runs .
Ashwin argues the dismissal falls within cricket's laws and criticises societal pressure preventing other bowlers from attempting similar dismissals.
Ashwin retired from the IPL in August 2025 after 16 seasons , claiming 187 wickets in 221 matches .
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reasserted his stance on the controversial Mankading dismissal of Jos Buttler during the 2019 IPL, stating unequivocally that he harbours no regret over an act driven by competitive instinct. Speaking to Jio Hotstar, Ashwin — who was Kings XI Punjab captain at the time — rejected suggestions that the dismissal reflected poor sportsmanship, framing it instead as a legitimate tactical choice within cricket's rulebook.
The 2019 incident revisited
Chasing 185, Rajasthan Royals began solidly with Buttler attacking the bowling. The momentum shifted when Ashwin removed the bails at the non-striker's end before delivering, catching Buttler out of his crease. The third umpire upheld the dismissal after a brief on-field discussion. Punjab capitalised on the breakthrough and secured a 14-run victory.
Ashwin's unambiguous defence
Point of View
Yet misses why the cricket world recoils. The issue isn't character assassination; it's that competitive ruthlessness and sportsmanship are not always synonymous. That said, Ashwin's broader critique of societal pressure overriding umpires' judgment has merit. If the law permits it and the umpire upholds it, withdrawing appeals for optics is indeed a disservice to the bowler and the integrity of the decision-making process.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mankading and why is it controversial?
Mankading is a dismissal where the bowler removes the bails at the non-striker's end before delivering the ball if the batter has left the crease. It is legal under cricket's laws but widely considered unsporting. Ashwin's 2019 dismissal of Buttler reignited the debate over whether the tactic, though lawful, violates the spirit of the game.
When did Ashwin Mankad Jos Buttler?
The incident occurred during the 2019 IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin, then Punjab captain, dismissed Buttler in this manner, and the third umpire upheld the decision. Punjab went on to win the match by 14 runs.
What is Ashwin's justification for the Mankading?
Ashwin argues that the dismissal was entirely within cricket's laws and that his primary motivation — to win — is not shameful. He contends that if the ICC considered it an integrity issue, it would not remain in the rulebook. He also criticises the societal pressure that prevents other bowlers from attempting similar dismissals.
Has Ashwin retired from cricket?
Ashwin retired from the IPL in August 2025 after a 16-season career spanning 221 matches. He finished as one of the competition's leading wicket-takers with 187 wickets and scored 833 runs.
What does Ashwin say about other players avoiding Mankading?
Ashwin believes other bowlers refrain from Mankading due to fear of public backlash and societal pressure, not because the act is unlawful. He argues that umpires should not withdraw appeals for optics and that the decision to give out or not should rest solely with the umpire.
