Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin has found himself embroiled in another heated IPL clash, one that has once again left him at odds with the spirit of cricket.

Ashwin became the poster boy for Mankad during the 2019 IPL season after he ran out England’s Jos Buttler while he was backing up at the non-striker’s end.

Fast forward two years later and Ashwin was in the thick of it again.

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Dismissed for nine as the Delhi Capitals innings drew to a close, Ashwin was given a fierce send off by Kolkata Knightriders duo Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee. The pair had taken issue with Ashwin after he and batting partner Rishabh Pant stole an extra single after a throw at the stumps ricocheted of Pant’s arm just a delivery earlier.

Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull called out the Capitals stars in the commentary box, claiming the pair “really shouldn’t have run for that.”

Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar agreed: “generally batsmen don’t run if the ball hits them.”

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Later, Australia legend Shane Warne weighed in and scolded Ashwin for his actions.

“The world shouldn’t be divided on this topic and Ashwin,” he tweeted. “It’s pretty simple – it’s disgraceful and should never happen.

“Why does Ashwin have to be that guy again? I think (Eoin Morgan) had every right to nail him!”

Speaking after the match, Knightriders wicketkeeper and Ashwin’s former Indian teammate Dinesh Karthik shed some light on the incident.

“I do not think Morgan appreciates that he is someone when the ball hits the batter, he expects them not to run because of the spirit of cricket.”

Forced to play mediator on the field, Karthik inserted himself between his teammates and Ashwin but refused to comment further on the issue.

“It is a very grey area, a very interesting topic,” he said.

“I have my own opinion on it, but I can just say I am happy to play peacemaker.”

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Never one to back away from a contest, a fired up Ashwin took his revenge against Morgan later in the match, dismissing KKR skipper Morgan for a duck and delivering marching orders of his own.

Morgan and Kolkata would have the last laugh, however, claiming a three-wicket victory with 10 deliveries to spare.