In the context of Indian Premier League 2023 Match 15, Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Harshal Patel’s unsuccessful attempt to run out Lucknow Super Giants spinner Ravi Bishnoi at the non-striker’s end proved futile, but it opened the door for two prominent figures to potentially reach a consensus regarding a dispute over a cricketing rule.
After India Women’s All-Rounder Deepti Sharma ran out England’s Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end to win the match, legendary broadcaster Harsha Bhogle and England Test captain Ben Stokes voiced opposing views.
In addition to helping India defeat England 3-0, Sharma’s awareness of the game helped the visitors win the illustrious Jhulan Goswami’s final international game.
Stokes, along with a number of other English cricketers, had taken offense to Bhogle’s comment citing a cultural aspect. Meanwhile, James Anderson, a seasoned pacer, had seen Dean crying because she had failed to lead her side to win at Lord’s.
Is Harsha Bhogle vs Ben Stokes Debate on Non-Striker Run-Out Reaching Closure?
When it comes to the past, it is important to note that Stokes liked Bhogle’s tweet from yesterday night, which proposed a fine for the batting team if a non-striker backs up excessively. The goal of Stokes’ suggestion of a penalty rather than a dismissal was to prevent such cricketing incidents from becoming contentious at every turn.
Happy to get your perspective, Ben. I am doing a game in Chennai if you have a few minutes. And hope you are fit and playing again soon
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2023
Bhogle acknowledged Stokes’ counsel before encouraging him to take a few minutes for a discussion. He had hoped to discuss the topic with Stokes in person eventually. It is interesting that Bhogle and Stokes will both be present at tomorrow’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Thought’s Harsha?
Umpires discretion.. 6 penalty runs if obviously trying to gain unfair advantage by leaving crease early?
Would stop batters doing it without all the controversy https://t.co/xjK7Bnw0PS— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 10, 2023
Notably, Stokes has joined seasoned England pacer Stuart Broad in calling for a punishment anytime a non-striker leaves his crease before a bowler would typically be expected to throw the ball.
Should There Be a Penalty for A Non-Striker S Unfair Backing up In Cricket?
Don’t fix something that isn’t broken. When a run-based penalty is used in place of a legitimate way of dismissal, it is a clear indication that something is wrong with the former.
It ought to stay that way because the law expressly states that a batter may be run out if he unfairly benefits himself at the non-striker’s end. Any alteration to this Law would not be fair to the bowlers who have sought to run out non-strikers in the past.
