IPL 2021: R Ashwin shuts down Eoin Morgan & Tim Southee for derogatory remarks

Tensions soared high in Match 41 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) played between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders Indian all-rounder, R Ashwin got into a war of words with English captain, Eoin Morgan and Kiwi pacer, Tim Southee who were apparently unhappy with the spinner’s sportsmanship conduct.

The events unfolded after R Ashwin took the second run in the final ball of the 19th over, which had hit Delhi Capitals captain, Rishabh Pant. Soon after dismissing Ashwin in the final over of the first innings, Tim Southee appeared to have said something, which angered the Indian spinner. Kolkata Knight Riders captain, Eoin Morgan joined into the argument, as he was angered by the event that occurred in the penultimate over.

Eventually, Morgan and Ashwin had to separated by their teammates and the umpires who intervened at the right time. Now, R Ashwin has clarified his stance on Twitter in a six-tweet thread, stating that he was not aware that the ball had hit Rishabh Pant.

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R Ashwin clarifies his stance on the events that unfolded on Tuesday

R Ashwin made it clear that the rules permit him to take the second run, even if the ball had hit his teammate. He added that he was not a disgrace, as it was stated by England captain, Eoin Morgan. Here are the sequence of tweets by R Ashwin:

“1. I turned to run the moment I saw the fielder throw and dint know the ball had hit Rishabh. 2. Will I run if I see it!? Of course I will and I am allowed to. 3. Am I a disgrace like Morgan said I was? Of course NOT.

4. Did I fight? No, I stood up for myself and that’s what my teachers and parents taught me to do and pls teach your children to stand up for themselves. In Morgan or Southee’s world of cricket they can choose and stick to what they believe is right or wrong but do not have the right to take a moral high ground and use words that are derogatory,” wrote Ashwin.

1. I turned to run the moment I saw the fielder throw and dint know the ball had hit Rishabh.
2. Will I run if I see it!?
Of course I will and I am allowed to.
3. Am I a disgrace like Morgan said I was?
Of course NOT.

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

“What’s even more surprising is the fact that people are discussing this and also trying to talk about who is the good and bad person here! To all the ‘Cricket is a gentleman’s game’ fans in the house,'” he added.

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R Ashwin explains his understanding of the spirit of the game

R Ashwin further added that budding cricketers are being taught the wrong definition of spirit if cricket. He believes that one does not become a bad person, by solely taking a second run, when the throw has hit the non-striker.

“There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career,” he continued.

There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021

“Do not confuse them by telling them that you will be termed a good person if you refuse the run or warn the non striker, because all these people who are terming you good or bad have already made a living or they are doing what it takes to be successful elsewhere,” Ashwin added.

“In his concluding statement, R Ashwin stated that one must give it his all on the field, and shake hands with the opposition, regardless of what happened.

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Give your heart and soul on the field and play within the rules of the game and shake your hands once the game is over. The above is the only ‘spirit of the game’ I understand,” Ashwin concluded.