It was instinctive, says Ashwin

Unapologetic about 'Mankading' Jos Buttler, senior Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said his decision was "instinctive" and cricket laws should be reconsidered if what he did was against the 'spirit of the game'.

"Look it was very instinctive. It wasn't planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game. I don't know from where the understanding of the Spirit of the Game comes," Ashwin said at the post-match press conference.

The mode of dismissal is permissible as per ICC Rule 41.16 of playing conditions, according to which there is no need to warn the batsman.

"Naturally if it's there in the rules, it's there. Probably, we need to go back to the rules," India's premier Test spinner said.

When reminded of a past incident when former West Indian skipper Courtney Walsh let off Pakistan's Saleem Jaffer in crucial 1987 World Cup match at Lahore in a similar situation, Ashwin retorted sharply.

"Neither was Jos Buttler playing then nor was I playing. So it is very very pertinent to just not compare two people," he said.

When probed further on whether it affects the 'spirit of the game', the irritation was palpable on his face.

"I don't understand the point because it's rules. What applies for one man doesn't apply for everyone else?" he asked.

There has been a debate whether Ashwin deliberately delayed while loading up on his delivery, expecting Buttler to move out.

"I didn't even load and he left the crease. It's always been my take on the crease, because it's my half of the crease," he said.

Man-of-the-match Chris Gayle, who hit 79 off 47 balls, said he was happy with his form.

"This is a big ground to be honest. I have been in good form, so it was good to start on a winning note. Sarfaraz (Khan) got some runs today, which was really good.

"One thing we discussed before the tournament was to win this IPL for the Universe Boss (referring to himself) and the youngsters have got my backing," he signed off.

PTI