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"Don't leave your crease": Shastri warns BBL batters against R Ashwin's mankad threat

Akshita Patel

 Shastri gets real on Ashwin's BBL threat [Source: @IMManu_18, @RCBTweets/X.com] Shastri gets real on Ashwin's BBL threat [Source: @IMManu_18, @RCBTweets/X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to make history by becoming the first Indian male cricketer to play a full Big Bash League (BBL) season, and Ravi Shastri has issued a warning over a possible mankad threat.

Initially, Ashwin had planned to play only a few matches in the second half of the season due to his ILT20 commitments. However, after going unsold in the ILT20 auction in Dubai, he decided to commit to the entire BBL season. 

Ravi Shastri opens up on the threat Ashwin will bring in the BBL

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri was asked by the Australian media about what to expect from Ravichandran Ashwin in the upcoming BBL season.

Shastri, in his trademark humorous style, warned BBL batters to stay in the crease, or else Ashwin would not hesitate to clip the bails off for a mankad dismissal.

“Don't leave your crease. He'll run you out. That's the first message. Don't try and steal a run, because he'll take those bails off, and rightly so. You have no business outside your crease,” Shastri told media.

This isn’t just a playful warning. Ashwin has a history of being a smart and aggressive fielder. 

Back in 2019, during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, he famously ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end for leaving the crease too early. 

The incident sparked debates about the ‘spirit of cricket’, but the dismissal was completely within the rules.

Ashwin signed by the Sydney Thunder

Ravichandran Ashwin will mark his BBL debut in the upcoming 2025-26 season. The 39-year-old off-spinner has confirmed his full-season availability for Sydney Thunder, including the finals.

He will play under former Australian great David Warner. The upcoming BBL season will begin on December 14, with the final scheduled for January 25.