Ravichandran Ashwin Baffled by Some IPL 2023 Decisions
Ashwin capped-off a brilliant all-round performance vs CSK (IPLT20.com)
Rajasthan Royals' spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, expressed his astonishment at the decision of the umpires to change the ball during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday, April 12, owing to the dew factor.
The nail-biting T20 clash witnessed another thrilling last-ball finish, with Rajasthan Royals managing to clinch a three-run victory against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The match's course began with Rajasthan Royals batting first and amassing 175/8, while Chennai Super Kings gave it their all in response and managed to score 172/6, falling short by a whisker in the end.
During the course of the Chennai's innings, the umpires made the impromptu decision to replace the wet ball with a new one, without seeking the fielding side's consent. Although the decision favoured Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin was left puzzled by the unforeseen events.
In the post-match press conference, Ashwin expressed his opinion on the decisions made during the current edition of IPL, which had left him flummoxed, both positively and negatively. He added that the balance of the game was crucial and that consistency in implementing the rules should be maintained.
“I’m quite surprised the umpires changed the ball for dew on their own. Some of the decisions in this year’s IPL on the field have left me a little flummoxed to be honest. I mean, it’s just the middle - left me flummoxed in a good or a bad way,” said Ashwin.
Furthermore, the Indian veteran explained that the bowling team was not requesting the ball to be changed, but the umpires had taken that decision on their own accord. When he enquired about the matter, the umpire informed him that the ball could be changed, which left Ashwin hoping that the same standard would be maintained for every match in the future, in case of dew.
“As a bowling team, we are not asking for the ball to be changed. But the ball was changed on the umpire’s accord. I did ask the umpire and he said we can change it. So I just hope every time there is dew they can change it every single time going forward in this IPL. You can do whatever you want, but you just need to be in a standard going forward,” concluded the legendary spinner.
The 36-year old's all-round performance was the highlight of the match, which secured Rajasthan Royals' victory. He played an incredible knock of 30 runs off 22 balls and took two crucial wickets while conceding just 25 runs in his four overs to round of a ‘Player of the Match’ performance.
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