Need better-written law on Mankading: Jos Buttler to WION

Indian Premier League 2019 got its first controversy when Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was 'Mankaded' by Punjab's R Ashwin during their campaign opener in Jaipur.

Buttler's dismissal which went to the third umpire and was given out triggered a furore and left the cricket world divided.

While Buttler was furious over the incident, raising questions on Ashwin's cricketing spirit, the Punjab skipper termed it legal and within the rulebook of the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

Speaking exclusively to WION, the English cricketer termed the entire incident 'disappointing' and urged for a better-written law on 'Mankading'.

"Ya, I was obviously disappointed with the incident but now I understand that the laws of the game are there and that's fine and have no problem with that."

"But, I think the law could probably be written in a better way. Think there is a quote in it that says expected to release the ball and I'm sure that's quite a grey area. If you look back at it, I think I was probably in my ground when the ball was expected to be released."

Buttler, who has smashed two half-centuries in the league so far, stressed that cricketers should play to be a bigger role model for the young kids.  

"I understand why the law is there but the spirit of the cricket is important. I think we have to be bigger role models for young kids, but unfortunately, everyone will interpret what the spirit of cricket is. So it's another tough question to answer because we all will see the world differently and we all interpret the law differently and what the spirit of cricket is, so I think it could be clarified better the way the law is written."

In this season, Rajasthan were on a losing streak - having suffered defeats at the hands of Punjab, Hyderabad and Chennai - before finally defeating Bangalore to register their first win. 

When asked how special the win was Buttler said it was nothing but a 'big relief for the entire team'.

"It is a big relief to get our first win. We played some good cricket in stages in the previous games but haven't managed to put together a whole performance and get a win for the team. Guys are delighted to get that first win on the board and hopefully, we can now get on a roll."

Buttler is the most dependent batsmen of the Rajasthan as he stood up on two occasions when the side needed him the most. He, however, failed to turn it into a win. 

When questioned about his role in the team, said I just react to the conditions.

"The role changes a little bit depending on the situation of the game. The other night I was disappointed to get out and not be there till the end, so that's was something I tried to do and get the team over the line. And I think, you just have to react to the conditions." 

The Ajinkya Rahane led-team will next face Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.

When asked what plans the team has for this upcoming games, the 28-year-old said it is important to construct to climb the points table and get into the play-offs.