The third India vs Afghanistan T20I left a lasting impression on fans. Despite India already securing the series 2-0, Afghanistan's remarkable fightback, led by Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, forced the match into not one, but two Super Overs. In an unusual turn, Afghanistan took two overthrow runs after Sanju Samson's throw at the non-striker's end deflected off Nabi. India's displeasure, especially captain Rohit Sharma, was evident, but Afghanistan adhered to the rules and earned three runs off the last ball.
Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, addressing the IND vs AFG Super Over incident, maintained his stance, stating that as an Indian cricket fan, he understands that players would take the extra run in a similar situation. He emphasised that batters are entitled to such runs, similar to leg byes, byes, wides, and no-balls. Ashwin debunked the notion of a breach in the "spirit of cricket," highlighting that fielders throw to secure run-outs, just as bowlers aim to take wickets.
'Two Sides To This Story'
Ashwin explains that there are two perspectives to this situation. If we find ourselves as the affected party on the field, we would likely feel irritation towards whatever unfolds. Our actions might have been different if we were the ones directly involved. This represents our personal opinions and views
“There are two sides to this story. If we are the affected party on the field, we will get very irritated with whatever happens. We might not have done this if we were on the field. That is our personal opinion and view,” said Ashwin (as per the YouTube video captions) in a video on his YouTube channel.
“As an Indian cricket fan I can say this. Tomorrow, if we are facing a Super Over in the World Cup knockout match, and when it is one ball, two runs to win. The wicketkeeper's throw deflects off our glove, we will also run. How can a player not run?”
Ashwin emphasised that he fails to see any reason why a batsman shouldn't take the extra run, drawing parallels with running byes, leg byes, and capitalising on runs from wide deliveries or no-balls.
“A simple explanation for this will suffice. A bowler is bowling just to pick your wicket. You are blocking the ball or hitting it to score runs. When the ball hits the pads, it's a leg bye. When it doesn't meet your body, and the keeper leaves it, it is a bye. When the ball goes wide off the crease, it is wide. When the bowler outstretches their leg, it is no-ball. All these happen on the chance that the bowler takes a wicket-taking delivery. This is the same. When a fielder throws to get me to run out and the ball deflects off my body, I am within my right to run. Spirit of cricket? Yet again, I'm sorry,” he concluded.