'To hell with the spirit of the game': India ace reacts to Mankading

Hardik Pandya with the Indian Team (Source: AP)

The recently concluded ODI series between England Women and India Women sparked a controversy storm surrounding the run out of Charlotte Dean.

Deepti Sharma chose to run out the England batter after she left her crease at the non-striker's end before the ball was bowled. According to the India Women star, she had warned the England batter a number of times before proceeding with the run out. 

Deepti Sharma's actions caused furore throughout the cricketing fraternity and critics claimed that the incident was against the spirit of the game. That said, some former and active cricketers have decided to support the bowler stating that her actions were within the rules of ICC. 

India men's all-rounder Hardik Pandya has now come out in support of Deepti Sharma, stating that her actions were legitimate and he does not care about the spirit of the game as long as it is within the ICC regulations. 

The Mankading debate has been raging on over the past few weeks and one can only hope that the naysayers can get over it and move on. 

Hardik Pandya was quoted by Hindustan Times saying: 

"We need to stop making a fuss about this running out the non-striker. It is a rule, as simple as that. To hell with the spirit of the game, if it is there, it is there. Personally, I have no problem with it. If I am out of my crease, and someone runs me out, it is fine. It is my mistake."

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