3 Mankading attempts in IPL that created a buzz

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by one wicket in a nail-biting last-ball finish. It was a match that witnessed many twists and turns, but in the end LSG held their nerve to win the bragging rights over RCB.

Batting first, RCB posted a mighty 212/2 at the end of their 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. In reply, LSG were reduced to 23/3 at the end of 4 overs.

However, LSG recovered through quick-fire half-centuries from Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran, lighting up the Chinaswamy Stadium with breathtaking fireworks. RCB then fought back and the match was poised at 1 run needed off 1 ball, with Avesh Khan on strike and Harshal Patel having the ball in hand.

Harshal Patel was running in to bowl when he realized that the non-striker Ravi Bishnoi had backed up far too much before the delivery had been released. Patel tried to 'Mankad' him but missed the stumps, then threw the ball at the stumps after going ahead in his follow-through.

The umpire gave it not-out as Patel had run far too ahead before dislodging the bails.

This incident has been perhaps the biggest talking point in a game that witnessed several spectacular moments. On that note, let’s discuss the 3 previous Mankading instances in the IPL.

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#1 Ravichandran Ashwin (Kings XI Punjab) vs Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)

Jos Buttler became the first cricketer in IPL history to become a victim of 'Mankading'. Chasing 184 runs, RR fell short by 14 runs in the end. However, the result was overshadowed by the the dismissal of the Englishman.

Buttler, who was batting on 69, was 'Mankaded' by Ashwin for backing up too far in the 13th over. This incident raised serious arguments around the laws and spirit of the game.

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#2 Ravichandran Ashwin (Delhi Capitals) vs Aaron Finch (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Ashwin was picked by the Delhi Capitals just before the 2020 edition of the IPL. Prior to the start of the season, DC head coach Ricky Ponting had advised Ashwin against Mankading.

Thus, in a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ashwin warned Aaron Finch at the non-strikers' end, leaving Ricky Ponting and the internet in splits. After the match, Ashwin tweeted that it was his final warning in the competition.

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#3 Ravichandran Ashwin (Rajasthan Royals) vs Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)

Last week, Ravichandran Ashwin warned his national team-mate Shikhar Dhawan to not leave his crease prior to the release of the ball. The incident occurred in a game between the Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings which resulted in a narrow win for the Dhawan-led PBKS side.

After Ashwin's warning, the cameramen were quick to turn towards Jos Buttler, who is now a teammate of Ravichandran Ashwin and shares a healthy relationship with him.

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