Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stopped halfway by means of his run-up, earlier than observing Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shikhar Dhawan for backing up too far on the non-striker’s finish. The incident reminded followers of the time when Ashwin had dismissed Jos Buttler for leaving his crease early on the non-striker’s finish. During IPL 2019, Ashwin, then taking part in for PBKS, had reignited the spirit-of-cricket debate by working out Buttler on the non-striker’s finish.

As each Ashwin and Dhawan shared a smile after the incident, the cameras zoomed at Buttler, who’s now Ashwin’s teammate at RR.

The drama unfolded on the fourth ball of the seventh over of PBKS’ innings.

The incident sparked a meme fest as followers took to Twitter to share their views.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Ashwin did not let Dhawan change the gears in opposition to him at this time

Don’t miss the tip
#RRvPBKS #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/WSUwOdbOH1

— twelfth Khiladi (@12th_khiladi) April 5, 2023

When ashwin tried to mankad dhawan!! pic.twitter.com/JZFcgQVtua

— Stump Mic (@stumpmicsledges) April 5, 2023

Ashwin x shikhar Dhawan x Jos Buttler The boys #IPL2023 #ShikharDhawan #Ashwin #PBKSvsRR pic.twitter.com/uxuBykONaz

— cricnews (@vivraj0121) April 6, 2023

Ashwin gave a warning to Shikhar Dhawan.
#Ashwin #TATAIPL2023 pic.twitter.com/DTfA9cTL1V

— Sports Trumpet (@Sportstrumpet) April 5, 2023

Ashwin warns Dhawan however cameraman exhibits Buttlerpic.twitter.com/BAL6V1nRHE

— Alter Ego (@imAlter_ego) April 6, 2023

“Calm, It’s My Passion Bro”- Ashwin To Dhawan pic.twitter.com/phiIgCwEFE

— (@AjniMina) April 6, 2023

Ashwin not doing run out dhawan at non striker pic.twitter.com/uY4vZXghsu

— Cricturn (@cricturn) April 6, 2023

Speaking of the match, PBKS defeated RR by 5 runs to register their second win in as many IPL 2023 video games.

After being invited to bat, PBKS rode on Dhawan’s 86 and his 90-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 60, to publish 197-4 after being invited to bat first in Guwahati.

Nathan Ellis then shined in his second recreation of the season to return figures of 4-30 and maintain down Rajasthan to 192/7 however not after a scare.

(With AFP Inputs)