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'Spirit Of Cricket, I'm Sorry' - R Ashwin Defends Nabi Over Heated Exchange With Rohit Sharma

image-lrklj2gvRohit and Nabi's heated exchange [X.com]

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his perspective on the controversy surrounding the extra run taken by Afghanistan’s Mohammed Nabi during the third T20I between India and Afghanistan in Bengaluru.

The match was a thrilling affair that required not one but two super-overs, with India emerging as the deserving winner.

Chasing a daunting 213-run target and coming off two consecutive defeats in the first two matches, Afghanistan seemed headed for a third loss, struggling at 107/3 in the 13th over at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. 

A remarkable comeback led by half-centurion Gulbadin Naib (55) and Nabi (34) resulted in a thrilling draw and pushed the game into a Super Over, followed by another Super Over.

A controversial moment occurred during Afghanistan's innings in the first Super Over, grabbing fans' attention. After scoring 13 runs off the first five balls, Nabi missed Mukesh Kumar's final delivery. 

Nabi and Gurbaz attempted to take a single through byes as it was the last ball. Sanju Samson's throw hit Nabi's legs, deflecting the ball towards long-on, and the Afghan batters seized the opportunity to run, adding two more runs to their total.

The Indian players expressed their frustration on the field, with captain Rohit Sharma venting his anger on Nabi. The Afghan cricketer defended his action, calling it unintentional.

Ashwin has now shared his thoughts on the matter, dismissing discussions around the spirit of cricket. In a video on his YouTube channel, the off-spinner stated that Nabi was well within his rights to take a run.

“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 the leg, it is no-ball. All these happen when the bowler is trying to take someone’s wicket and the run comes off the delivery," Ashwin said. 

"In the same way, when a fielder throws, why do they do it? To get you run out I am running, that throw deflects off me, I am within my right to run. Spirit of cricket? Yet again, I’m sorry,”  Ashwin explained.

It's all said and done. Now that the series is over, India must focus on the upcoming five-match Test series against England at home. Both Rohit and Ashwin will reunite ahead of the series opener in Hyderabad.