'If a batter plays reverse sweep, he should be given out lbw...': Ashwin wants cricket rule to be tweaked

He has always been vocal in putting forth his views in suggesting amendments in cricket rule book. This time around, the star spinner has asked the rule-makers to change the way lbw dismissals are decided.

Ashwin wants the batter to be given out lbw even when the ball pitches outside the leg stump if they are attempting to play reverse sweep or a switch hit. However, as per the latest rule, lbw doesn't apply even when the ball is expected to hit the stumps as long as the ball pitches outside leg stump because it is deemed as a blind spot for a batter.

“Please play your reverse sweeps, but give us (bowlers) lbw!” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “How can you say it’s not lbw when you turn (your body and it’s no longer a blind spot). It’s only a blind spot when you are at your normal stance. Once you play the reverse sweep or switch hit, it’s no longer a blind spot.  It’s extremely unfair that it’s not ruled lbw.”

The 35-year-old also explained the reason behind his demand. Ashwin said that while bowlers give every possible information before delivering the ball, the batters have the liberty to change things till the last moment. Hence, the authorities must look up to this rule of deciding lbw dismissals to even up the contest.

He then brought up his argument for lbws. “As a bowler I tell the batsman my line of attack (over or around the stumps), and I am giving a clear glimpse of my field too. You front up as a right-handed batsman but switch to a left-hander.

For the blind spot argument, Ashwin says that as soon as a batter changes his stance, his blind spot also changes.

“The moment you turn around you are front-on. My question is not whether he can play reverse sweep or not, whether it’s negative bowling strategy or not (bowling outside leg stump), my point is about lbw. It’s extremely unfair that it’s not ruled lbw.”