Running out the non-striker while bowling has been one of the most contentious issues in cricket in recent years. Despite the fact that the rules of the game allow it, several renowned cricketers, like Michael Vaughan, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson, have publicly criticised the dismissal, bringing the sportsman spirit into the debate.
The majority of Indian cricketers, on the other hand, have been on the opposite side of the debate. Ravichandran Ashwin has been outspoken about it, most notably in response to Rohit Sharma’s retraction of Dasun Shanaka’s dismissal by Mohammed Shami in India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
“See, even if one fielder appeals, it is the duty of the umpire to declare a player out if he is out. So, I find it very surprising to have so many taboos surrounding this mode of dismissal. But the entire dismissal is regarding what the bowler does, right? The right of making that dismissal or making that appeal or making that decision lies with the bowler, right,” Ashwin said.
He feels that there are too many taboos around this form of dismissal and believes that bowlers should have the same flexibility as batsmen.
The off-spinner reminded the batter that running out the non-striker while bowling is a legal technique to remove a batter. He emphasised that it is the bowlers’ prerogative, and captains should not intervene, just as they should not during an LBW or caught behind appeal.
