IPL 2020: Ashwin issues ‘first and final warning’ of the season

Delhi Capitals spinner R Ashwin on Monday night declared he has given his ‘first and final warning’ of IPL 2020 for Mankading. The off-spinner let go an opportunity to Mankad Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Aaron Finch in their match at Dubai.

The Capitals posted 196/4 in their 20 overs courtesy some sensational batting from Australian Marcus Stoinis. In response, RCB got off to a slow start with pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje running in with full steam.

The incident occurred when Ashwin was introduced as early as in the third over of the chase. Just as Devdutt Padikkal was ready to face him, the off-spinner stopped in his tracks to warn Finch, who had backed up a long way at the non-striker’s crease. Ashwin had a golden opportunity to legally ‘Mankad’ Finch but instead, he warned the batsman.

While many applauded the move, quite a few people were of the opinion that Ashwin should have mankaded the batsman. The Delhi bowler later took to Twitter and clarified his stance for the season, serving an official warning for all batsmen in the tournament.

Let’s make it clear !! First and final warning for 2020. I am making it official and don’t blame me later on. @RickyPonting #runout #nonstriker @AaronFinch5 and I are good buddies btw.?? #IPL2020

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) October 5, 2020

We wonder what Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting thought of that move?