Indian off-spinner R Ashwin talked about the recent MCC rule change on Mankad dismissals. He urged bowlers to affect this dismissal more often as it can make or break their careers. 

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently announced new amendments to its 2022 law code. The cricket laws will be effective from 1st October 2022. One of the major changes was in the run out laws. 

The Mankad dismissal was moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). It has sparked many controversies over the years with many calling it against the ‘spirit of the game’. 

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Notably, R Ashwin himself affected this mode of dismissal during the IPL 2019. Playing for Punjab Kings, the senior off-spinner ran out RR’s Jos Buttler by removing the bails at the non-striker’s end before bowling the delivery.

Talking about Mankad dismissals, R Ashwin spoke on his YouTube channel about how the law "destigmatises" the bowlers who want to run the non-strikers out but don't due to fear of "what the world will say about them". He urged bowlers to use the tactic without over-thinking it, saying it can make or break their careers.

“Law destigmatises the bowlers. Essentially, they are saying run the batsman out. Many bowlers feel oh our batsmen themselves might feel upset (if they run out non strikers). They also feel what the world will say about them. That fear itself makes them not do it. I want to tell the bowlers again. 

“The one feet the batsman take (by moving out early), can end or change your careers. The batsman on strike might hit a six. If you take the wicket (by running out) your career might go up, else with the six (and runs) you might go out of team next match. That’s the kind of impact. I urge the bowlers not to think and should use this in their favour is my thought process,”  R Ashwin said. 

Apart from Mankad, the MCC banned the use of saliva to shine the ball. They also made a change in which a new batter will take the strike even if the players have crossed during a caught dismissal.

R Ashwin will be next seen in action during the IPL 2022. He was picked by Rajasthan Royals in the mega auction. The off-spinner will share the dressing room with Jos Buttler, who he mankaded few years ago.

(Indian Express inputs)