India vs Afghanistan: 'We will also run', R Ashwin discusses Mohammad Nabi overthrows controversy

The three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan came to a thrilling conclusion, with the high-scoring encounter at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium going into a double Super Over after the two sides finished level on 212.

India skipper Rohit Sharma not only struck an unbeaten century, he would also score vital runs in both Super Overs while Ravi Bishnoi would bowl a terrific over under pressure to seal the Men in Blue’s series sweep. The match, however, also had its fair share of controversies, including that of Rohit walking out to bat in the Super Over despite retiring hurt in the first one.

Read: Did Rohit retire out or retire hurt? Why IND, AFG switched batting?

There was also the incident involving senior Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi during the first Super Over, wherein the visitors decided to collect two extra runs after the ball deflected off Nabi’s leg while he was trying to collect a bye for his team. Nabi decided to push for two more runs after the deflection, which carried the ball all the way to long on.

Watch: BCCI shares ‘BTS view’ of India’s thrilling double Super Over win over AFG

The incident would revive discussions surrounding the oft-discussed ‘Spirit of Cricket’, with senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin — an individual often at the centre of such conversations — weighing in on the topic.

In the latest video posted on his YouTube channel, Ashwin offered a balanced take on the controversy; while he added that the fielding team had every reason to feel aggrieved, Indian batters probably would have done the same thing had they been the ones batting.

“There are two sides to this story. If we are the affected party on the field, we will get very irritated with whatever happens. We would say we might not have done this if we were on the field. That is our personal opinion and view.

“As an Indian cricket fan I can say this — tomorrow, if we are facing a Super Over in a World Cup knockout match, it is two runs to win off one ball and the wicketkeeper’s throw deflects off our glove, we will also run. How can a player not run?,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.



The Nabi overthrows incident brought back memories of the 2019 ICC World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s. The ball deflected off Ben Stokes’ bat to result in four overthrows while the all-rounder was dashing back for a second run during England’s tense chase of the 242-run target. The overthrows would eventually prove crucial as the two teams finished on level scores.

Read | All the drama from double Super Over as India sweep T20 series 3-0

England would then be adjudged winners on the basis of more boundaries scored after the two teams were left tied in the Super Over as well.