Did Virat Kohli mock R Ashwin's controversial run-out of Jos Buttler after he caught his India team-mate at the long-on boundary? Paul Collingwood, former England captain and a staunch critic of the run-out of Buttler, certainly noticed it.
Love @imVkohli reaction catching @ashwinravi99 Great entertainment @RCBTweets and @IPL !! Mother cricket always gets you!! #mankad
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) April 24, 2019
With 27 required off the last over against Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab's captain Ashwin hit the first ball for a six. The next only made it as far as Kohli at the long-on boundary. Kohli made a hand gesture before moving his right hand - which held the ball - behind his body, an action not too dissimilar to flicking the bails behind you when you effect the run-out without delivering the ball.
Ashwin then proceeded to throw his gloves furiously upon reaching the dugout. He was asked about what had been going on between him and Kohli - Ashwin has been animated whenever his side has got Kohli out. Ashwin's response was short and crisp: "I just play with passion, so does he. That's it. As simple as that."
No current India cricketer has openly come out in support of Ashwin - or made any comment - on the run-out debate whereas current England cricketers - and others - have taken to Twitter to criticise him. The support for Ashwin has only come from former cricketers.
Ashwin did pull out of his delivery during his match against Delhi Capitals with Shikhar Dhawan, the non-striker, not leaving the crease. When Ashwin ran in to bowl the next ball, Dhawan danced outside the crease but with the bat inside it. Kohli reacted similarly when Sunil Narine pulled out of his delivery but without any intention to run the non-striker out. He squatted low to send the message he was doing all he can to keep his bat inside the crease.