New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has dismissed the concept of Spirit of Cricket while discussing it on veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel. He suggested that he was prioritizing adherence to the rules over the “spirit of cricket”.
Shastri's remarks came in the light of events during India's Test series in England in 2021, when India achieved a historic victory at Lord's in the second Test. One notable incident was England's James Anderson having a heated argument with Indian players, especially Jasprit Bumrah.
During the match, Bumrah passed bouncer after bouncer to Anderson, resulting in Anderson being hit in the helmet, ribs, and left hand. This led to a tense exchange of words between the players involved.
Recalling the discussion, Shastri took to Ashwin's channel and said, “What's the problem with that? You have a bat in your hand. There's no rule that says you can't (bounce) the tail end. Then… Declare an innings, no? If so.โ It's too hot in the kitchen and if you don't want to be there, stay inside, stay clean, your fingers are fine, everything's fine, you can bowl as much as you want without getting hurt. โ
Shastri went on to discuss the concept of the 'Spirit of Cricket' which has been gaining a lot of attention lately, especially with regard to incidents where batsmen are out on the non-striker's side. Although this method of dismissal is perfectly legal within the rules of the game, it is considered by many experts and fans to be against the spirit of cricket.
One notable incident involved Ashwin, who famously dismissed England batsman Jos Buttler in a similar manner during an IPL match. Ashwin's action drew criticism, with many fans and experts asking bowlers to warn non-strikers before carrying out such dismissals.
Several other players, including Indian women's cricketer Deepti Sharma, have also adopted this method of dismissal, resulting in criticism from former cricketers and fans alike. Critics say the “spirit of cricket” should take precedence over strict adherence to the rules in such cases.
Shastri said he believes in rules, not ethos.
“Forget the mentality. I believe in the rules. You (Ashwin) cheated on the guy, those are the rules, there's a rulebook, follow the fucking rules. Run two steps ahead. The guy says, “That's not fair, you need to warn me.'' What a warning? The rule is that we don't like warnings. I'll be riding my bike soon. Don't whine or moan after the event. It's the same for both teams,” the 61-year-old added.
(With ANI input)
Shastri's remarks came in the light of events during India's Test series in England in 2021, when India achieved a historic victory at Lord's in the second Test. One notable incident was England's James Anderson having a heated argument with Indian players, especially Jasprit Bumrah.
During the match, Bumrah passed bouncer after bouncer to Anderson, resulting in Anderson being hit in the helmet, ribs, and left hand. This led to a tense exchange of words between the players involved.
Recalling the discussion, Shastri took to Ashwin's channel and said, “What's the problem with that? You have a bat in your hand. There's no rule that says you can't (bounce) the tail end. Then… Declare an innings, no? If so.โ It's too hot in the kitchen and if you don't want to be there, stay inside, stay clean, your fingers are fine, everything's fine, you can bowl as much as you want without getting hurt. โ
Shastri went on to discuss the concept of the 'Spirit of Cricket' which has been gaining a lot of attention lately, especially with regard to incidents where batsmen are out on the non-striker's side. Although this method of dismissal is perfectly legal within the rules of the game, it is considered by many experts and fans to be against the spirit of cricket.
One notable incident involved Ashwin, who famously dismissed England batsman Jos Buttler in a similar manner during an IPL match. Ashwin's action drew criticism, with many fans and experts asking bowlers to warn non-strikers before carrying out such dismissals.
Several other players, including Indian women's cricketer Deepti Sharma, have also adopted this method of dismissal, resulting in criticism from former cricketers and fans alike. Critics say the “spirit of cricket” should take precedence over strict adherence to the rules in such cases.
Shastri said he believes in rules, not ethos.
“Forget the mentality. I believe in the rules. You (Ashwin) cheated on the guy, those are the rules, there's a rulebook, follow the fucking rules. Run two steps ahead. The guy says, “That's not fair, you need to warn me.'' What a warning? The rule is that we don't like warnings. I'll be riding my bike soon. Don't whine or moan after the event. It's the same for both teams,” the 61-year-old added.
(With ANI input)