WATCH: R Ashwin warns Shikhar Dhawan of non-striker run-out during RR vs PBKS match

RR vs PBKS (Image credit: Twitter)

In a thrilling contest between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 6, the latter registered their second win in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) by 5 runs in the final over. RR lost despite putting up a valiant fight, but PBKS bowlers, particularly Nathan Ellis, kept their cool while defending a decent total. Yesterday's match saw several impressive actions on the field, one of which was Ravichandran Ashwin in the seventh over of the first innings.

After winning the toss, RR opted to field first and their bowlers did not get off to a great start as youngster Prabhisimran Singh scored around the park. With PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan playing the anchoring role, Prabhisimran fired at one end and took his team to 90 in 9.4 overs before leaving the field. While the 22-year-old was stealing the show, Ravichandran Ashwin caught the attention by ringing a warning bell for the rival skipper in the 7th over.

Dhawan had left the crease before Ashwin could deliver the ball. This forced the off-spinner to stop in between and give a warning to the left-hander, who returned to the crease. Fans were impressed with Ashwin's sportsmanship for not choosing to 'Mankad' his national teammate. Meanwhile, as soon as the incident occurred, the alerted camera person focused on RR batter Jos Butler, who had previously been run out at non-striker's end by Ashwin in the same league.

Watch the video below: 

Ashwin warns Dhawan for backing & then camera shows Buttler.pic.twitter.com/LCoS1WnCOQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 5, 2023

Ashwin is no stranger to ‘Mankad’

During the 2019 IPL, when Ashwin was playing for the Punjab Kings and Buttler was representing the Rajasthan Royals, both had made headlines for a similar incident. While RR chasing a score of 185, the England batter tore through the bowlers, scoring 69 off 43 balls, and his excellent innings came to an abrupt end when Ashwin ‘Mankaded’ him. Although there was ‘Mankad’ dismissal in the rule book, the incident invited questions about the Indian spinner's sportsmanship.

PBKS recorded their second win of the season - only the third time in IPL history that they have won the first two matches of a season. They had defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in their first match by 7 runs in a rain-interrupted game. Meanwhile, RR, who clinched a massive 72-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, will look to bounce back in their next match against Delhi Capitals on April 8.