When the Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma ran out England’s Charlie Dean at the non-striker's end, there were a lot of controversies transpired. The point of the debate was whether this ‘Mankading’ thing was legal or not. Somebody said that this mode of dismissal is not in keeping with the spirit of cricket.
Running out the non-striker if he/she is far ahead of the crease even if the bowler has not bowled, is completely legal. The ICC has shifted this mode from the unfair play section to the run-out category.
Just ahead of the India-Zimbabwe clash, India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin talked to the press and spoke about Mankading.
"Honestly, I would also not like to get out like that. Just because I don't like doesn't mean I cannot get out like that. Nobody likes getting out, I do not like being knicked off, bowled, LBW, run-out. Likewise, I would also not like to get run-out at the non-striker's end."
"It is a form of dismissal and it is legal. There are many arguments regarding that. Like with anything else in this world, people are going to have contradictory thoughts. Whether you want to do it or not, it is absolutely fine. It is good to know that some people won't do it, because you can run at the last minute and wait. It is good, people are going to come and say they won't do it, as a cricketer, I'll use that to my advantage", he further added.
He also talked about India’s journey so far in the mega event and said, "We have not reached here easily (laughs). We have had quite tricky games against Bangladesh and Pakistan. These games went down to the wire. I think even people watching the game, giving their expert opinion on the game are still learning because the game is decided by such small margins."
"The experts themselves feel they are catching up with the game seeing how it has evolved. So, it would be unfair to say that the team has not stepped up or the team is not looking at its best. It is about how one performs on the day and how are you going to counter a bowler who has bowled a good over. You cannot nail it down and say a team has not played good cricket or wonderful cricket. T20 cricket is standing on small margins so to make any reviews, I would just say that make a review after the game," he added.