RCB vs RR: R Ashwin left fuming after contentious wide call sparks debate

Ashwin was clearly not happy with that wide call made by Michael Gough. Maxwell was indeed standing way too right from where his leg stump was when Ashwin delivered that ball.

The incident took place during the 13th over of Bangalore’s innings when Maxwell backed away moments before Ashwin’s delivery release, returning to his original stance once the ball was airborne. The Aussie batter attempted a lap shot with the ball narrowly evading his pads down the leg side, and umpire Gough promptly called a wide.

It took Ashwin to RR skipper Sanju Samson to review the decision. Ashwin was seen debating with Gough as the third umpire consulted replays. The decision was upheld a couple of minutes later, but the commentators were not impressed with the outcome.

Having witnessed the onfield drama, former Zimbabwe cricketer Mpumelelo Mbangwa, who was on commentary duty, said, “He’s (Ashwin) not happy.”

While his commentary partner Harsha Bhogle said, “I think the bowler should be allowed to retire.Because Ravichandran Ashwin has been given a short boundary, a flat deck and a (batter) who is standing four stumps outside leg-stump, and still being called a wide.”

Meanwhile, A late charge led by a cameo from Dhruv Jurel was not enough for the Royals as a century stand between captain Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell set up a thrilling seven-run win for RCB.

Ashwin was also fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL code of conduct during his side’s match against Chennai Super Kings on April 13. Ashwin was fined for breaching Article 2.7 of the IPL’s code of conduct during the match which the Royals won by three runs on Wednesday night.