IPL 2019: Harsha Bhogle, Shane Warne exchange verbal blows after Ashwin 'mankads' Buttler

Bengaluru: Australian spin legend Shane Warne blasted Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) captain Ravichandran Ashwin for 'mankading' Rajasthan Royals (RR) batsman Jos Buttler during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 in Jaipur on Monday night.

Warne, who led RR to the title in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008, termed Ashwin's action as "disgraceful". He also went on to say that people would remember the Tamil Nadu off-spinner for this "low act".

Also read: Full list of batsmen 'mankaded' since 1947

While Warne went after Ashwin, noted TV commentator and writer Harsha Bhogle defended the KXIP skipper. However, Warne was not impressed by Bhogle's views.

Both Warne and Bhogle were involved in a series of exchanges on Twitter.

Later, after the match, Ashwin defended his actions as he said he was playing within the rules of the game.

Also read: 'Mankading' divides cricket world

"On my part, it was very instinctive (mankading of Jos Buttler). It wasn’t planned or anything like that. It’s there within the rules of the game. I don’t understand where the spirit of the game comes (in). Naturally, if it’s there in the rules it’s there," Ashwin said.

KXIP won the match by 14 runs but the talking point of the game was about Ashwin. The cricket world was divided.

Here is what Warne said about Ashwin and how Bhogle replied to the RR brand ambassador.

So disappointed in @ashwinravi99 as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the #IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the #IPL

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

Harsha you are missing the point completely & I’m disappointed in you as you always push the spirit of the game - now you condone this behaviour ? Ashwin’s actions were simply disgraceful, and I hope the BCCI doesn’t condone this sort of behaviour in the #IPL ! #spiritofthegame https://t.co/BsIKDBN51X

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

As Captain of your side - you set the standard of the way the team wants to play & what the team stands for ! Why do such a disgraceful & low act like that tonight ? You must live with yourself & FYI - it’s to late to say sorry Mr Ashwin. You will be remembered for that low act https://t.co/jGif2TOnjI

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

Harsha, if that had of been an international player you would have nailed him ! Please do not be bias & stick up for your own. Any player in the game that does that to anyone is an embarrassment to the game & as captain it’s even more disgraceful ! #spiritofthegame ! https://t.co/4PqLL1MzBT

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

Last point on the embarrassing & disgraceful act of @ashwinravi99 ! This win at all costs mentality has got to stop & the integrity of the game along with the spirit of the game must be of the most importance, as we need to set examples to the young boys & girls playing cricket !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

And to all the people (including ex players) saying it’s in the laws of the game, but you don’t like what he did & you wouldn’t do it - I ask you this “why wouldn’t you?” ! Simple answer - it’s disgraceful and embarrassing plus it’s against the spirit of the game !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019

Sorry - one more thing to add. If Ben Stokes did what Ashwin did to @imVkohli it would be ok ? I’m just very disappointed in Ashwin as I thought he had integrity & class. Kings lost a lot of supporters tonight. Especially young boys and girls ! I do hope the BCCI does something

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019